Cambridge (CIE) A Level Information Technology specification (9626)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Information Technology 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 Information Technology 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 Information Technology (9626) 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 AS & A Level Information Technology develops a broad understanding of IT systems, their impact on society, and practical skills in using IT for problem-solving. The course equips learners with technological literacy, enabling them to understand IT applications across a variety of contexts, including business, communication, and emerging technologies. Students study IT system life cycles, network technologies, data processing, and the social effects of technology. At A Level, they also explore project management, advanced practical skills, web programming, and the societal implications of IT advancements. The qualification supports progression to higher education and employment in IT-related fields, fostering skills such as analysis, evaluation, innovation, and responsible use of technology:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
AS Level Topics
- Data processing and information – Data vs information, data sources, quality of information, encryption, data accuracy, processing methods.
- Hardware and software – Mainframes, supercomputers, system and utility software, user interfaces, custom and off-the-shelf software.
- Monitoring and control – Sensor and actuator use, calibration, algorithms, flowcharts.
- Algorithms and flowcharts – Writing/editing algorithms and flowcharts, pseudocode structures.
- eSecurity – Data security, personal data, malware, prevention methods.
- The digital divide – Causes, effects, strategies to reduce the gap.
- Expert systems – Components, uses, chaining methods.
- Spreadsheets – Creation, functions, validation, testing, automation, graphs/charts.
- Modelling – Simulations, testing, what-if analysis.
- Database and file concepts – Database creation, relationships, queries, normalisation, data dictionaries, file management.
- Sound and video editing – Editing techniques, compression, file formats.
A Level Topics (in addition to AS)
- IT in society – Digital currencies, data mining, social networking, IT impact, technology-enhanced learning.
- New and emerging technologies – Emerging tech and societal impacts.
- Communications technology – Networks, components, servers, cloud computing, data transmission, routing, protocols, wireless tech, mobile systems, security, disaster recovery.
- Project management – Life cycle stages, tools like Gantt charts, PERT, CPM, management software.
- System life cycle – Analysis, design, development, implementation, documentation, evaluation, maintenance, prototyping.
- Mail merge – Data source creation, document linking, field use, error checking.
- Graphics creation – Vector and bitmap tools, compression, text editing.
- Animation – Types, creation methods, control, principles.
- Programming for the web – JavaScript use for interactivity, event handling, loops, functions, syntax, object-oriented concepts:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Theory (AS Level)
- 1h 45m, 70 marks.
- Covers AS topics (1–11).
- Short-answer and structured questions.
- Worth 50% of AS, 25% of A Level.
Paper 2: Practical (AS Level)
- 2h 30m, 90 marks.
- Tests practical skills from sections 8–11 within a problem-solving context.
- Worth 50% of AS, 25% of A Level.
Paper 3: Advanced Theory (A Level)
- 1h 45m, 70 marks.
- Covers A Level topics (12–20) with AS topics assumed knowledge.
- Worth 25% of A Level.
Paper 4: Advanced Practical (A Level)
- 2h 30m, 90 marks.
- Tests practical skills from sections 17–20, includes integrated tasks from AS sections.
- Worth 25% of A Level.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (35–40%): Recall and communication of IT knowledge.
- AO2 (50%): Application of knowledge to IT-based solutions.
AO3 (10–15%): Analysis, evaluation, and reasoned conclusions.
- No calculators allowed in written papers.
- Practical papers require electronic submission with specific file formats.
- External assessment for all papers.
- Linear qualification; AS Level can be carried forward for full A Level.
- Graded A*–E for A Level, a–e for AS Level:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Information Technology 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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