Cambridge (CIE) O Level Statistics specification (4040)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Statistics 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) O Level Statistics 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) O Level Statistics (4040) 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 O Level Statistics equips students with the knowledge and skills to collect, present, analyse and interpret statistical data in various contexts. The syllabus emphasises understanding statistical concepts, appreciating the accuracy and limitations of data, and applying elementary probability and statistical methods to real-life situations. Learners are encouraged to develop techniques for numerical analysis, make informed conclusions based on data, and recognise the relevance of statistical interpretation in everyday life and decision-making.
Subject content breakdown
1. Data and its collection
- General sampling concepts, types of sampling (random, systematic, stratified, quota), and avoidance of bias.
- Survey methods, including open and closed questions.
- Types of data and variables: qualitative, quantitative, discrete, continuous.
2. Summary representation of data
- Tabular classification, two-way tables.
- Diagrams: pictograms, pie charts, comparative pie charts, Venn diagrams, bar charts (sectional, percentage, dual), box-and-whisker diagrams, stem-and-leaf diagrams.
- Purpose, advantages, disadvantages, and interpretation of representations.
3. Formation of data into ungrouped or grouped frequency distributions
- Class limits, boundaries, mid-points, intervals.
- Frequency polygons and histograms.
4. Cumulative frequency distributions
- Tabular and graphical representations.
- Cumulative frequency curves and polygons for continuous data.
5. Statistical measures, interpretation and use
- Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode, modal class.
- Measures of dispersion: range, interquartile range, variance, standard deviation.
- Quartiles and percentiles estimation.
- Combined data measures.
6. Transformations involving mean and standard deviation
- Effects of adding/multiplying constants.
- Linear transformations to specified mean and standard deviation.
7. Crude and standardised rates
- Applications to death rates, fertility rates, accident rates.
8. Index numbers
- Price relatives, weighted aggregate index numbers, uses and limitations.
9. Bivariate distributions and scatter diagrams
- Correlation concepts: positive, negative, strong, weak.
- Lines of best fit using semi-averages, equation derivation, prediction use and limitations.
10. Time series
- Understanding trends and seasonal variation.
- Moving averages, mean seasonal variation, use in prediction.
11. Elementary probability
- Mutually exclusive and independent events.
- Selections with or without replacement.
12. Probability distributions
- Formation of discrete variable distributions.
- Expectation, including profit, loss, and fair games.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes)
- Candidates answer all questions.
- Includes short questions (up to 8 marks) and four longer questions (14–16 marks each).
- Use of electronic calculators is allowed.
- All working must be shown in the spaces provided on the question paper.
- Worth 100 marks, contributing 50% of the total qualification.
Paper 2 (2 hours 15 minutes)
- Candidates answer all questions.
- Includes short questions (up to 8 marks) and four longer questions (14–16 marks each).
- Use of electronic calculators is allowed.
- All working must be shown in the spaces provided on the question paper.
Worth 100 marks, contributing 50% of the total qualification.
- The syllabus is assessed in the November series and is available to private candidates.
- Candidates may use flexicurves in the examination.
- Cambridge O Level Statistics cannot be combined with another syllabus of the same title and level in the same examination series.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Statistics 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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