OCR A Level Chemistry A specification (H432)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Chemistry A 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Chemistry A 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 OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR A Level Chemistry A qualification (H432) enables learners to develop a deep understanding of key chemical principles through a content-led approach. It emphasises the interconnectedness of physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, alongside essential mathematical and practical skills. The specification promotes scientific thinking, problem-solving, and critical evaluation. It also develops learners' appreciation of chemistry's role in society and the economy, preparing them for higher education or careers in chemical sciences. Integrated practical work reinforces theoretical content and is assessed through both examinations and a separate Practical Endorsement:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Module 1: Development of practical skills in chemistry
- Planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating experimental procedures
- Assessed in written papers and Practical Endorsement
- Practical techniques include titration, distillation, chromatography, and electrochemical cells
Module 2: Foundations in chemistry
- Atomic structure, isotopes, chemical formulae and equations
- Amount of substance and mole calculations
- Acid–base reactions, oxidation numbers and redox
- Bonding and molecular structures
Module 3: Periodic table and energy
- Periodicity and trends across periods and down groups
- Properties and reactions of Group 2 and halogens
- Enthalpy changes, qualitative analysis
- Rates of reaction and chemical equilibrium (qualitative)
Module 4: Core organic chemistry
- Nomenclature, functional groups and isomerism
- Hydrocarbons, alcohols, haloalkanes
- Mechanisms including nucleophilic and electrophilic addition/substitution
- Organic synthesis and basic analytical techniques (IR, MS)
Module 5: Physical chemistry and transition elements
- Rate equations, equilibrium constants (Kc, Kp), Arrhenius equation
- Acids, bases, pH, buffer solutions
- Lattice enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy
- Redox reactions, electrode potentials, electrochemical cells
- Properties, reactions and complex formation of transition metals
Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis
- Aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Amines, amino acids, optical isomerism
- Condensation and addition polymerisation
- Synthetic strategy, including multistep synthesis
- Chromatography and advanced spectroscopy (proton and carbon-13 NMR):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry (Component 01)
- 2 hrs 15 mins written paper
- 100 marks (37% of A level)
- Assesses Modules 1, 2, 3, and 5
- Section A: Multiple choice (15 marks)
- Section B: Structured and extended response questions (85 marks)
Synthesis and analytical techniques (Component 02)
- 2 hrs 15 mins written paper
- 100 marks (37% of A level)
- Assesses Modules 1, 2, 4, and 6
- Includes multiple choice and extended response questions
Unified chemistry (Component 03)
- 1 hr 30 mins written paper
- 70 marks (26% of A level)
- Assesses content from all modules
- Focus on synoptic and practical application
Practical Endorsement in chemistry (Component 04)
- Reported separately (non-exam assessment)
- Completion of minimum 12 required practical activities
- Assesses planning, implementation, analysis, and evaluation
Assessment objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding
- AO2: Application of knowledge
- AO3: Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation
- Includes synoptic assessment and questions requiring extended responses:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Chemistry A 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.
Share this article