Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Business specification (YBS11)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Business 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 International A Level (IAL) Business 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 International A Level (IAL) Business (YBS11) 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 Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Business provides students with a broad introduction to the world of business through the investigation of how businesses operate, adapt and grow. It aims to develop a critical understanding of organisations, markets, customers and the internal and external influences affecting decision-making. Students are encouraged to analyse business problems, interpret data, and evaluate the effectiveness of business strategies. The qualification prepares learners for further study in business-related disciplines and provides transferable skills relevant to the global business environment, entrepreneurship, and employment contexts.
Subject content breakdown
1. Marketing and People
- Meeting customer needs and understanding markets
- The marketing mix and strategy
- Managing people and leadership
- Entrepreneurs and business objectives
2. Managing Business Activities
- Business finance: sources, break-even, cash flow
- Financial planning and budgets
- Resource and operations management
- External influences including economic environment and legislation
3. Business Decisions and Strategy
- Business objectives and strategy formulation
- Decision-making techniques: financial, marketing and investment appraisal
- Assessing competitiveness: performance ratios and analysis
- Managing change and strategic implementation
4. Global Business
- Globalisation and international trade
- Global marketing strategies and cultural differences
- Multinational corporations and global operations
- Ethical and social responsibilities in global contexts
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Marketing and People
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Section A: short answer and data response
- Section B: one extended open-response question from a choice of two
Unit 2: Managing Business Activities
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Section A: short answer and data response
- Section B: one extended open-response question from a choice of two
Unit 3: Business Decisions and Strategy
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Based on unseen case study
- Includes data response and extended open-response questions
Unit 4: Global Business
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- Based on pre-released context
Includes data response and extended open-response questions
- IAS qualification: Units 1 and 2
- IAL qualification: Units 1–4
- Assessment availability: January and June
- Grading: A–E (IAS), A*–E (IAL)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Business 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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