Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business specification (9609)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business (9609) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Business enables students to explore the complex and dynamic nature of the business world. The course develops understanding of the role of enterprise, decision-making and the impact of external factors in business environments. Learners gain analytical and evaluative skills by studying a range of real-world scenarios and exploring how businesses respond to opportunities and challenges. Emphasis is placed on strategy, innovation, ethical considerations and the interdependence of stakeholder perspectives. The syllabus supports progression to further study or employment in business-related fields by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Subject content breakdown
1 Business and its environment
- Nature of business activity, entrepreneurship, and business plans
- Business sectors, ownership types, size and growth strategies
- Objectives, stakeholder analysis and ethical considerations
2 Human resource management
- HRM roles, workforce planning, recruitment and selection
- Training, motivation theories (e.g. Maslow, Herzberg), and management styles
3 Marketing
- Marketing objectives and market types
- Market research, segmentation, and customer relationship management
- The marketing mix: product, price, place, and promotion
4 Operations management
- Production processes, efficiency, and sustainability
- Inventory management (including JIT), capacity and outsourcing
5 Finance and accounting
- Business finance needs, sources, and working capital
- Cash flow, costing (full and contribution), break-even analysis
- Budgeting and variance analysis
6 Business and its environment (A Level)
- External influences: political, economic, legal, social, technological, environmental
- Business strategy development using tools such as SWOT, Ansoff matrix, Porter’s five forces
7 Human resource management (A Level)
- Organisational structures, communication, and leadership theories
- Strategic HRM, performance improvement, and flexible working
8 Marketing (A Level)
- Elasticity, product development, sales forecasting
- Marketing planning, strategy, and international marketing
9 Operations management (A Level)
- Location, scale, quality management and benchmarking
- Lean production and operational strategies including ERP and CPA
10 Finance and accounting (A Level)
- Financial statements and analysis (liquidity, profitability, efficiency, gearing)
- Investment appraisal methods (ARR, payback, NPV)
- Use of accounting data for strategic decisions
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Business Concepts 1
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
- Section A: four short-answer questions
- Section B: one essay from two options
- Based on AS content (1.1–5.5)
Paper 2: Business Concepts 2
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks
- Two compulsory data response questions with six parts each
- Based on AS content (1.1–5.5)
Paper 3: Business Decision-Making
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 60 marks
- Five compulsory questions based on a case study
- Questions 3 and 4 include evaluation; Paper uses both AS and A Level content
Paper 4: Business Strategy
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
- Two essay questions based on a case study
Based on A Level content; assumes AS knowledge
- AS Level: Papers 1 and 2
- A Level: Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 (staged or linear)
- All papers externally assessed with increasing emphasis on evaluation and application
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Business isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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