Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Chemistry specification (0620 & 0971)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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) IGCSE 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) IGCSE Chemistry (0620 & 0971) 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 IGCSE Chemistry develops learners' understanding of the technological and environmental importance of chemistry. The course promotes scientific enquiry, practical investigation and analytical thinking. Students study matter, structure, bonding, reactions and energy changes in chemical systems. Real-world contexts help learners appreciate the role of chemistry in industry, health and the environment, supporting further science education and careers in STEM fields.
Subject content breakdown
1. The particulate nature of matter
- Solids, liquids, gases and changes of state
- Kinetic particle theory
2. Experimental techniques
- Measurement and collection of gases
- Purification, filtration, distillation and chromatography
3. Atoms, elements and compounds
- Atomic structure and periodic table
- Elements, mixtures, and compounds
- Chemical bonding: ionic, covalent, metallic
4. Stoichiometry
- Chemical equations and formulae
- The mole concept and reacting masses
- Percentage yield and limiting reactants
5. Electricity and chemistry
- Electrolysis and products of electrolysis
- Electroplating and energy transfer
6. Chemical energetics
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Energy level diagrams and bond energy
7. Chemical reactions
- Rates of reaction and collision theory
- Catalysts and reversible reactions
- Equilibrium and the effects of temperature/concentration
8. Acids, bases and salts
- Properties and reactions of acids and bases
- pH scale and indicators
- Preparation of salts and titration
9. The Periodic Table
- Group properties and periodic trends
- Noble gases, halogens, alkali metals
10. Metals
- Extraction and uses of metals
- Reactivity series and corrosion
- Alloys and recycling
11. Air and water
- Water purification
- Air composition and pollutants
- Greenhouse gases and climate change
12. Sulfur
- Uses and manufacture of sulfuric acid
13. Carbonates
- Reactions and uses of calcium compounds
14. Organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons: alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids
- Polymers and reactions of organic compounds
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Multiple Choice (Core)
- 45 minutes, 40 marks
- 30% of final grade (Core candidates only)
Paper 2 – Multiple Choice (Extended)
- 45 minutes, 40 marks
- 30% of final grade (Extended candidates only)
Paper 3 – Theory (Core)
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks
- 50% of final grade (Core only)
Paper 4 – Theory (Extended)
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks
- 50% of final grade (Extended only)
Paper 5 – Practical Test
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks
- 20% of final grade (Core and Extended)
or
Paper 6 – Alternative to Practical
- 1 hour, 40 marks
20% of final grade (Core and Extended)
- Candidates choose Core or Extended route
- Three components required: Theory, Multiple Choice, Practical (or alternative)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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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