Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Chemistry specification (9622)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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 Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) Chemistry (9622) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Cambridge International A Level in Chemistry provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles and concepts in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. It develops essential scientific skills including investigative techniques, data interpretation, problem solving and critical analysis. The qualification fosters a logical approach to the application of theory in experimental contexts and supports progression to university-level science courses and careers in chemistry, medicine, engineering and related fields. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, practical competence and awareness of the impact of chemistry on society, industry and the environment.
Subject content breakdown
1. Physical Chemistry
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Chemical bonding and intermolecular forces
- Enthalpy changes, entropy and energetics
- Equilibria and Le Chatelier’s principle
- Reaction kinetics and rate equations
- Redox reactions and electrode potentials
2. Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodic trends and chemical properties of Groups 2 and 17
- Transition elements and their characteristic reactions
- Complex formation and coloured compounds
- Reactions of aqueous ions and qualitative analysis
3. Organic Chemistry
- Functional groups: alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, carbonyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic compounds and reaction mechanisms
- Optical isomerism and stereochemistry
- Amines, amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Synthetic routes and organic synthesis
4. Practical Skills
- Planning and executing experiments
- Recording observations and measurements
- Processing and interpreting data
- Evaluating procedures and drawing conclusions
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 1 hour
- 40 marks
- 40 multiple-choice questions covering the full syllabus
- Weighted 15.5% of A Level
Paper 2: AS Level Structured Questions
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 60 marks
- Structured questions assessing theory and practical knowledge
- Weighted 23.3% of A Level
Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills
- 2 hours
- 40 marks
- Two or three experimental tasks and related analysis
- Weighted 11.7% of A Level
Paper 4: A Level Structured Questions
- 2 hours
- 100 marks
- Structured and extended-response questions on A Level content
- Weighted 38.5% of A Level
Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 30 marks
- Questions assessing experimental design and data interpretation
Weighted 11% of A Level
- AS Level comprises Papers 1, 2, and 3
- A Level comprises all five papers
- Grading: A–E (AS Level), A*–E (A Level)
- Exams available in June and November
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International A Level (IAL) 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.
Share this article