How Many IGCSE Physics Papers Are There?

If you're starting your IGCSE Physics course, you might be wondering exactly how many exam papers you'll need to sit. It's a question that causes a lot of confusion for students.

The answer isn't always straightforward. It depends on which exam board you're studying with and whether you're taking Core or Extended tier.

Getting your head around the exam structure early means you can plan your revision properly. You'll know exactly what to expect on exam day. No surprises, no panic.

I’ve taught Physics for many years, and one thing I have seen again and again is that students feel much more confident once they understand how their exam papers are organised.

At Save My Exams, we've helped thousands of IGCSE students prepare for their Physics exams. We know the common questions students have about exam structure. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about IGCSE Physics papers.

Key Takeaways

• Most IGCSE Physics students sit 3 papers in total (Cambridge) or 2 papers (Edexcel and OxfordAQA)

• Cambridge students take one multiple-choice paper, one theory paper, and one practical or alternative to practical paper

• Core tier students sit different papers to Extended tier students (for Cambridge only)

• Edexcel and OxfordAQA use a two-paper structure with no tiered distinction

• Each paper may assess different parts of the course content and use different question formats

Why Understanding the Exam Structure Matters

Knowing how many papers you'll sit helps you revise smarter, not harder.

When you understand the structure, you can split your revision time across the different papers. You'll know which topics appear in multiple-choice versus theory papers.

This means you can practise the right exam skills for each paper type. Quick recall for multiple-choice. Extended responses for theory questions. Method understanding for practical papers.

It also helps you feel more confident. No surprises on exam day means less stress and better performance.

IGCSE Physics Exam Structure by Exam Board

There are three main exam boards offering IGCSE Physics: 

• Cambridge (CIE)

• Edexcel

• OxfordAQA.

Each board structures their exams differently. Let's break down what you need to know for each one.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625 or 0972)

Cambridge offers two syllabus codes: 0625 (opens in a new tab) and 0972 (opens in a new tab). Both cover the same content and use the same papers. The only difference is the grading scale.

• 0625 uses grades A* to G

• 0972 uses grades 9 to 1 (but isn't available in all regions).

There are six possible Cambridge IGCSE Physics papers. But don't worry – you won't sit all of them. Every student sits three papers in total. Here's the complete breakdown:

All students take 3 papers in total. The combination depends on whether you're Core or Extended tier (more on this below).

Core vs Extended: Which Papers Do You Sit?

Only Cambridge IGCSE Physics uses Core and Extended tiers.

Core candidates take:

• Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)

• Paper 3: Theory (Core)

• Either Paper 5: Practical Test or Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

Core candidates can achieve grades C to G (or 5 to 1 for syllabus 0972).

Extended candidates take:

• Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)

• Paper 4: Theory (Extended)

• Either Paper 5: Practical Test or Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

Extended candidates can achieve grades A* to G (or 9 to 1 for syllabus 0972).

The Extended papers test both Core content and additional Supplement content. They're more challenging but open up higher grades.

Your teacher will recommend which tier is right for you based on your predicted performance.

Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Edexcel takes a different approach. They do not have different tiers and offer two courses: 

• Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1) (4PH1) (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) (4XPH1) (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1) (4PH1)

Most students take this course, which is known as a linear route. This means you sit both papers at the end of your course in the same exam season. There are 2 papers in total.

¹ When Edexcel says “Core content”, it means the parts of the syllabus that all students learn, whether they are taking IGCSE Physics or IGCSE Double Award Science. Paper 1 focuses on these shared ideas.

Both papers cover every topic in the course. You will answer a mix of question types, including:

• multiple-choice

• short answers

• calculations

• extended open-response questions

Practical skills are tested through written questions in both papers. There is no separate practical exam.

Edexcel Modular Route (4XPH1)

The Modular route is less common and is only available outside the UK. The course is split into two units, and each unit is worth 50% of your final grade.

You sit an exam paper for each unit. These can be taken in different exam seasons. For example, you could take Unit 1 at the end of your first year of study and Unit 2 at the end of your second year.

Each paper includes a range of question types, just like the linear route, including multiple-choice, short answers, calculations and extended open-response questions.

OxfordAQA IGCSE Physics

OxfordAQA (opens in a new tab) (syllabus code 9203) also uses a straightforward two-paper structure. There are no tiers.

Both papers include multiple-choice questions, structured and open questions. Like Edexcel, practical skills are assessed through the main papers. There's no separate practical exam.

How Each Paper Contributes to Your Final Grade

Understanding how papers are weighted helps you prioritise your revision.

Cambridge IGCSE Physics:

• Multiple-choice papers (Paper 1 or 2): 30%

• Theory papers (Paper 3 or 4): 50%

• Practical or Alternative to practical (Paper 5 or 6): 20%

Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1):

• Paper 1: 61.1% 

• Paper 2: 38.9%

Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular):

• Unit 1: 50% 

• Unit 2: 50%

OxfordAQA IGCSE Physics:

• Paper 1: 50%

• Paper 2: 50% 

This helps you decide where to spend the most revision time. For example, Cambridge students may want to focus extra time on the theory paper because it carries the most marks.

Tips for Preparing for Each Type of Paper

Different exam boards structure their papers in different ways, so the best way to prepare depends on which papers you will sit. Below, you will find tips for each type of paper used by Cambridge, followed by advice that applies to Edexcel and OxfordAQA, who use mixed-question papers.

From my experience of helping students prepare for their exams, I know that exam skills improve quickly once students get used to the question styles they will see in their papers.

Preparing for Cambridge Papers

Cambridge separates its papers by question type. You will sit one multiple-choice paper, one theory paper, and one practical paper (either Paper 5 or 6).

Multiple-Choice Papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

Cambridge is the only exam board with a full paper made up of multiple-choice questions. Paper 1 is for Core and Paper 2 is for Extended.

These papers test quick recall and fast thinking.

Here are my top tips for answering multiple choice papers:

• Practise elimination techniques. If you're not sure of the answer, rule out options you know are wrong

• Don't spend too long on one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later

• Use past papers to get familiar with common question styles. The same concepts appear regularly

• Build speed through regular short practice sessions

Theory Papers (Paper 3 and Paper 4)

Cambridge theory papers use structured questions. These are questions where you write short explanations, solve problems step by step, or answer in clear bullet points.

Structured questions can include:

• short answers

• labelled diagrams

• multi-step calculations

• “explain” or “describe” questions

• extended responses worth several marks

To prepare for these types of questions:

• Practise writing clear, short explanations in your own words

• Use correct physics terms to earn full marks

• Show every step when you solve a calculation

• Look at mark schemes to understand how answers are graded

Practical Papers (Paper 5 and Paper 6)

Cambridge tests practical skills in two different formats:

• Paper 5: a hands-on practical test

• Paper 6: a written alternative to the practical

Paper 6 often includes a method-style question worth up to 6 or 7 marks, where you must describe a full experiment clearly and in order.

Here are some ways that you can prepare for these papers:

For Paper 5:

• Practise setting up equipment safely

• Take careful, repeatable measurements

• Record results clearly

For Paper 6:

• Learn how to write step-by-step methods

• Understand variables (independent, dependent, control)

• Know common sources of error and how to reduce them

• Practise analysing data and drawing conclusions

• Use past Paper 6 questions to learn how to structure a method answer

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between CIE IGCSE Physics Paper 5 and Paper 6?

Paper 5 is a hands-on practical exam. You'll perform an actual experiment in the lab. You'll work with real equipment, take measurements, record results, and analyse your findings.

Paper 6 is a written alternative to the practical. It tests the same skills but on paper. You'll answer questions about experimental methods, data analysis, and practical procedures. You won't actually do the experiments.

Many schools choose Paper 6 because it's easier to organise. Not all schools have the lab facilities for Paper 5. Both papers are worth the same marks.

How Long Are the IGCSE Physics Papers?

Here's the duration for each paper type:

Cambridge:

• Multiple-choice (Papers 1 & 2): 45 minutes

• Theory Core (Paper 3): 1 hour 15 minutes

• Theory Extended (Paper 4): 1 hour 15 minutes

• Practical (Paper 5): 1 hour 15 minutes

• Alternative to Practical (Paper 6): 1 hour

Edexcel (9-1):

• Paper 1: 2 hours

• Paper 2: 1 hour 15 minutes

Edexcel (Modular):

• Unit 1: 1 hour 40 minutes

• Unit 2: 1 hour 40 minutes

OxfordAQA:

• Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes

Time management is crucial. Practise past papers under timed conditions to get used to the pace.

How Can I Revise for IGCSE Physics Papers?

A great first step is to go to the Save My Exams revision page for your exam board. Each one has clear notes, practice questions and past papers to help you prepare for your exams.

You can find your course here:

• Save My Exams Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physics (0625 & 0972) Revision

• Save My Exams Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1) (4PH1) Revision

• Save My Exams Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) (4XPH1) Revision

• Save My Exams OxfordAQA IGCSE Physics (9203) Revision

Each course page includes a range of tools to support your learning. These can help you build strong exam skills and stay organised as you revise. Learn how you can:

• Review topics with our revision notes

• Practise exam-style questions

• Check your working with Smart Mark

• Test your recall with flashcards

• Try a full mock exam

• Work through real past papers

If you want more guidance on building a full revision plan, you can read our dedicated guide on  How to Revise for IGCSE Physics. 

You do not need to use everything at once. Choose the tools that work best for you and build your confidence step by step.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your exam structure is the first step to exam success.

Now you know exactly which papers you'll sit, you can plan your revision properly. Focus on the right skills for each paper type.

Remember: multiple-choice needs quick recall, theory papers need detailed explanations, and practical papers need method understanding.

Use the exam structure to your advantage. Break your revision into chunks based on each paper. Practise past papers for each type.

You've got this. With the right preparation, you'll walk into your IGCSE Physics exam feeling confident and ready.

Good luck!

References

• Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) Syllabus (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Physics (0972) Syllabus (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1) (4PH1) Specification (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) (4XPH1) Specification (opens in a new tab)

• OxfordAQA IGCSE Physics (9203) Specification (opens in a new tab)

• How to Revise for IGCSE Physics

• Save My Exams Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physics (0625 & 0972) Revision

• Save My Exams Edexcel IGCSE Physics (9-1) (4PH1) Revision

• Save My Exams Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular) (4XPH1) Revision

• Save My Exams OxfordAQA IGCSE Physics (9203) Revision

• Review topics with our revision notes

• Practise exam-style questions

• Check your working with Smart Mark

• Test your recall with flashcards

• Try a full mock exam

• Work through real past papers