Edexcel IGCSE Commerce specification (4CM1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Commerce 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 Edexcel IGCSE Commerce 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 Edexcel IGCSE Commerce (4CM1) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Edexcel International GCSE in Commerce helps students understand the workings of local, national and global commercial activity. It introduces key themes such as production, trade, finance, retail and logistics, encouraging critical thinking and real-world application. The course builds knowledge of risks and supports informed decision-making in commercial contexts. Students develop analytical and evaluative skills while exploring the ethical and sustainable dimensions of commerce. The qualification prepares learners for future study in business, economics or finance, and helps them become effective consumers, producers and citizens.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Commercial Operations
- Production of goods and services; factors of production and industry sectors.
- Division of labour and specialisation; interdependence in global commerce.
- Buying and selling: sourcing, cost implications, outsourcing.
- Types of commercial enterprise: private/public, franchises, cooperatives, limited companies.
- Retail: functions, types, locations, techniques (branding, offers, EPOS), small-scale retailing.
- Wholesale: roles and functions, types (cash-and-carry, voluntary chains), impact of change.
- Ecommerce: characteristics, impacts, location factors.
- International trade: imports/exports, balance of trade/payments, trading blocs, MNCs.
Theme 2: Commercial Risks
- Insurance: principles, business risks, documentation, claims process.
- Consumer protection: legislation, complaint handling.
- Trade risks: tariffs, quotas, exchange rate fluctuations, trade protection.
- Bad debts: impacts and mitigation strategies.
Theme 3: Finance for Commerce
- Financial institutions: banks, post offices, central banks, services and trends (e.g. online banking).
- Sources of finance: short-term (overdrafts, leasing), long-term (loans, equity, crowdfunding).
- Payment methods: cheques, electronic transfers, credit cards, documentary credits.
- Commercial calculations: gross/net profit, mark-up, inventory turnover.
- Measuring performance: profit margins, ROCE, expense ratios.
- Improving performance: sales, mark-up, margins, expenses.
Theme 4: Aids for Commerce
- Communication: oral, written, electronic; methods include email, conferencing, reports.
- Transport: modes (road, rail, air, sea), efficiency, business ownership of transport.
- Warehousing: roles (storage, demand protection), types (bonded, cold, RDCs).
- Promotion: advertising (TV, online, sponsorship), promotional strategies, social media use.
- Trading documents: order, invoice, statement, credit/debit note, interpretation.
- Consumer credit: forms (hire purchase, credit cards), suitability, interest calculations.
- Aids to exports: government, banks, trade bodies, overseas agents.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Commercial Operations and Associated Risks
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 80 marks; 50% of qualification.
- Four compulsory questions across Themes 1 and 2.
- Mix of MCQs, short answers, and extended-response questions.
- Questions 3 and 4 based on real-world scenarios.
- Calculators permitted.
Paper 2: Facilitating Commercial Operations
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 80 marks; 50% of qualification.
- Four compulsory questions across Themes 3 and 4.
- Same format as Paper 1; scenario-based contexts included.
- Calculators permitted.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Recall, terms and concepts – 27–28%
- AO2: Application and calculations – 38–39%
- AO3: Interpretation and analysis – 22–23%
- AO4: Evaluation and judgement – 11–12%
Quantitative and Practical Skills
- Required use of business maths: profit, margins, exchange rates, interest.
- Interpretation of data from tables, financial documents, and charts.
Grading
- Total marks: 160 (80 per paper).
- Graded 9–1; no coursework.
- First assessment June 2019; available January and June.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Commerce 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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