Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry specification (9701)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry 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 Chemistry 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 Chemistry (9701) 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 Chemistry develops a deep understanding of chemical principles and practical skills required for further study or careers in science. Learners explore the physical, inorganic, and organic branches of chemistry through theoretical and experimental approaches. The course fosters the application of scientific methods, analytical thinking, and accurate communication of chemical concepts. Emphasis is placed on the relevance of chemistry in technological advancement, environmental sustainability, and health. It provides a solid foundation for university-level science courses, nurturing a lifelong interest in chemical science and its real-world implications.
Subject content breakdown
1 Atomic structure
- Subatomic particles, isotopes, atomic number and mass
- Mass spectrometry and electronic configuration
2 Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry
- Moles, empirical/molecular formulae
- Balancing equations and reacting masses
3 Chemical bonding
- Ionic, covalent, dative and metallic bonding
- Shapes of molecules, polarity, and intermolecular forces
4 States of matter
- Kinetic theory, ideal gas equation
- Interconversion of states and energy changes
5 Chemical energetics
- Enthalpy changes (formation, combustion, neutralisation)
- Hess’s Law and bond enthalpies
6 Electrochemistry
- Redox reactions, electrode potentials
- Electrolysis and standard hydrogen electrode
7 Equilibria
- Dynamic equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s principle
- Equilibrium constants (Kc, Kp)
8 Reaction kinetics
- Factors affecting rate, rate equations, and order of reaction
- Activation energy and catalysis
9 The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
- Periodic trends in physical and chemical properties
- Group and period properties
10 Group 2 elements
- Reactions, solubility, thermal stability
- Uses of group 2 compounds
11 Group 17 elements
- Trends in physical and chemical properties
- Displacement reactions and halide ions
12 Nitrogen and sulphur
- Ammonia, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid manufacture
- Environmental impact of NOx and SOx
13 Introduction to organic chemistry
- Functional groups, naming and isomerism
- Types of reactions: substitution, addition, elimination
14 Hydrocarbons
- Alkanes, alkenes, and arenes
- Reactions and mechanisms
15 Halogen compounds
- Reactions of halogenoalkanes
- Nucleophilic substitution and elimination
16 Alcohols, esters and carboxylic acids
- Preparation and reactions of alcohols and carboxylic acids
- Esterification and hydrolysis
17 Carbonyl compounds
- Aldehydes and ketones: reactions and tests
- Nucleophilic addition
18 Nitrogen compounds
- Amines, amides, and amino acids
- Reactions and basicity
19 Polymerisation
- Addition and condensation polymers
- Environmental issues and biodegradability
20 Analytical chemistry
- Physical and chemical tests
- Chromatography and spectroscopy
21 Further chemistry
- Transition elements, colour and complex formation
- Reaction mechanisms and advanced concepts
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 1 hour, 40 marks
- 40 multiple-choice questions based on AS content
Paper 2: AS Level Structured Questions
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks
- Structured questions from AS Level syllabus content
Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills
- 2 hours, 40 marks
- Practical skills in planning, manipulation, measurement, and analysis
Paper 4: A Level Structured Questions
- 2 hours, 100 marks
- Structured questions from A Level content (includes AS material)
Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks
Data interpretation, experimental design, and evaluation
- AS Level candidates take Papers 1, 2 and 3
- Full A Level candidates take Papers 1–5 (staged or linear)
- Papers assess both theoretical and practical understanding
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry 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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