Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT specification (0417 & 0983)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT 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 ICT 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 ICT (0417 & 0983) 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 Information and Communication Technology enables learners to understand and apply a broad range of ICT skills in practical and theoretical contexts. The course helps students appreciate the impact of ICT on everyday life and prepares them to work responsibly and safely in an increasingly digital world. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and evaluative skills through the use of ICT-based solutions in real-life scenarios. Learners also gain insight into emerging technologies and their influence on communication, data handling, and information systems.
Subject content breakdown
1. Types and components of computer systems
- Hardware and software, analogue vs digital data, internal components and memory
- Operating systems: CLI, GUI, gesture-based; types and characteristics
- Desktop vs mobile computers; emerging technologies like AI and extended reality
2. Input and output devices
- Characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of input, direct data entry and output devices
3. Storage devices and media
- Magnetic, optical and solid-state devices; media characteristics and comparisons
4. Networks and the effects of using them
- Routers, network types (LAN, WAN, WLAN), extranet/intranet/internet
- Data security: passwords, authentication, anti-malware, conferencing tools
5. The effects of using IT
- Home/transport automation, health problems from prolonged ICT use
6. ICT applications
- Communication, modelling, control systems, school management, booking systems
- Banking, medicine, expert systems, retail, recognition and satellite systems
7. The systems life cycle
- Analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, evaluation
8. Safety and security
- Physical safety, eSafety, threats to data (phishing, viruses), protection (SSL, biometrics)
9. Audience
- Audience appreciation and copyright
10. Communication
- Email use, spam, netiquette; internet use, search evaluation, protocols
11–21. Practical skills
- File management, image editing, layout, styles, proofing, graphs/charts
- Document production, databases, presentations, spreadsheets, website authoring with HTML/CSS
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Theory
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 40%
- Multiple-choice, short-answer, and structured questions
- Based on all sections of the syllabus
- All questions compulsory
Paper 2 – Document Production, Databases and Presentations
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 70 marks, 30%
- Practical test on Sections 17–19
- Also assesses practical skills from Sections 11–16
- Tasks require use of electronic files, screenshots and printouts as evidence
Paper 3 – Spreadsheets and Website Authoring
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 70 marks, 30%
- Practical test on Sections 20–21
- Also assesses practical skills from Sections 11–16
- Includes use of HTML/CSS; no scripting required
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT 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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