A Level ICT Topic List By Exam Board: Full List
Written by: Robert Hampton
Reviewed by: James Woodhouse
Published
Contents
Choosing your A Level subjects is a serious decision. You want a course that keeps you engaged, supports your future plans, and does not feel like an endless slog through content you do not care about.
If you are considering A Level ICT, one of the first questions you should be asking is simple but important: what will I actually study? Students often worry that ICT is just spreadsheets and databases, or that it lacks depth compared to other technical subjects.
As a teacher who has supported A Level ICT students through both AS and full A Level routes, I see this uncertainty every year. The problem is not the course. The problem is that the information students need is buried inside long, technical specifications that are difficult to decode.
This guide solves that. Below is a clear, exam-board-accurate breakdown of A Level ICT topics, organised by paper for Cambridge International (CIE). Whether you are choosing subjects or planning revision, this gives you the full picture in one place.
At Save My Exams, our subject experts have helped thousands of international students succeed in A Level ICT using structured revision notes, exam technique guidance, and exam-style practice that mirrors real papers.
Key Takeaways
Cambridge International A Level ICT covers 13 core theory and practical topics across data, systems, software, and communication technologies
The qualification is assessed through three externally examined papers, theory, practical, and advanced combined assessment
A Level ICT builds significantly beyond GCSE and IGCSE, with greater depth, independence, and real-world problem solving
GCSE or IGCSE ICT is helpful but not required to succeed at A Level
What Is A Level ICT?
A Level ICT, Information and Communication Technology, focuses on how technology is used to solve real problems in organisations and society. It is not about learning software in isolation. It is about understanding why technology is used, how it is implemented, and what impact it has.
The course combines theory with applied practical skills. You learn core concepts such as data management, systems design, networking, and project management, then apply them using real software tools under exam conditions.
Students work with databases, spreadsheets, web authoring tools, graphics software, and project planning techniques. Alongside this, you develop analytical skills by evaluating how ICT solutions affect users, businesses, and wider society.
Unlike A Level Computer Science, ICT is not programming-heavy. Algorithms and logic are covered, but the emphasis is on applying technology rather than building software from code. This makes ICT a strong choice for students interested in business, digital media, information systems, or technology management.
Cambridge International A Level ICT is recognised globally and is particularly popular with students seeking an internationally portable qualification.
A Level ICT Topics By Exam Board
Cambridge International is the main exam board offering A Level ICT. All content below is aligned to Cambridge International syllabus 9626 and organised by assessment paper.
If you are revising alongside this list, our A Level ICT past papers are the best next step, helping you practise each topic in the format and style used by examiners.
Cambridge (CIE) A Level ICT Topics
The course is split across AS Level and full A Level assessment. AS Level students sit Papers 1 and 2. Full A Level students sit Papers 1-4.
Paper 1: Written Paper (AS Level, Topics 1–11)
This paper assesses your understanding of ICT concepts, systems, and their real-world applications.
Topic | Subtopics |
| Data vs information, sources of data, quality of information, encryption, validation and verification, data processing methods |
| Mainframe computers and supercomputers, system software, utility software, custom-written vs off-the-shelf software, user interfaces |
| Sensors, monitoring technologies, control technologies, actuators, microprocessor-controlled systems |
| Writing and editing algorithms, pseudocode structures, flowchart symbols, identifying and correcting errors |
| Personal data, malware types, malware prevention, consequences of security breaches |
| Causes, effects, affected groups, reducing the digital divide |
| Components, knowledge bases, inference engines, forward and backward chaining, advantages and disadvantages |
| Spreadsheet concepts, formulas and functions, modelling principles, testing strategies |
| What-if analysis, simulations, uses of models, effectiveness of computer modelling |
| Database structures, keys and relationships, normalisation, data dictionaries, file and data management |
| Video editing techniques, audio editing techniques, compression, file formats |
Paper 2: Practical Paper (AS Level, Topics 8–11)
Paper 2 assesses practical skills. Tasks are based on Topics 8–11, with knowledge from Topics 1–7 applied where required.
Topic | Practical subtopics |
Spreadsheets | Creating and formatting spreadsheets, formulas and functions, data validation, testing, charts and graphs |
Modelling | What-if analysis, goal seek, simulations using spreadsheet models |
Database and file concepts | Creating databases, queries, forms and reports, normalisation, importing and exporting data |
Video and audio editing | Editing video and audio clips, adding effects, compression, exporting in appropriate formats |
Paper 3: Advanced Theory and Practical (A Level only, Topics 12–21)
Paper 3 is only taken by full A Level candidates and combines higher-level theory with applied tasks.
Topic | Subtopics |
| Digital currencies, data mining, social networking platforms, impact of IT, technology enhanced learning |
| Artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, blockchain, Internet of Things, advantages and disadvantages |
| Networks, network components, servers, cloud computing, data transmission, protocols, wireless and mobile technologies, network security, disaster recovery |
| Project life cycle stages, project management software, Gantt charts, PERT, critical path analysis |
| Analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, evaluation, development methodologies, maintenance |
| Data cleaning, data transformation, combining data sources, pivot tables and charts |
| Data sources and master documents, rules, fields, conditional processing |
| Graphics tools, vector graphics, bitmap graphics, colour systems, compression, text manipulation |
| Animation principles, key frames, motion paths, animation types, advantages and disadvantages |
| JavaScript fundamentals, events, functions, interactivity, object-based programming concepts |
Paper 4: Advanced Practical (A Level only, Topics 17–21)
Paper 4 assesses advanced practical problem solving. Tasks are mainly based on Topics 17–21, with possible integration of Topics 8–10.
Topic | Practical subtopics |
Data analysis and visualisation | Cleaning and transforming data, combining data sources, visualising data with pivot tables and charts |
Mail merge | Creating data sources, master documents, rules, conditional fields |
Graphics creation | Creating and editing vector and bitmap graphics, exporting and compression |
Animation | Creating animations, controlling motion and timing, layering and masks |
Programming for the web | JavaScript interactivity, events, functions, manipulating HTML and CSS |
How Is A Level ICT Assessed?
Cambridge International A Level ICT is entirely externally assessed and is split across four papers.
Paper 1: Theory
1 hour 45 minutes
70 marks
Assesses Topics 1–11
50% of AS Level, 25% of A Level
Paper 2: Practical
2 hours 30 minutes
90 marks
Practical tasks based on Topics 8–11, applying knowledge from Topics 1–7
50% of AS Level, 25% of A Level
Paper 3: Advanced Theory
1 hour 45 minutes
70 marks
Assesses Topics 12–21
25% of A Level
Paper 4: Advanced Practical
2 hours 30 minutes
90 marks
Practical tasks based mainly on Topics 17–21, with possible integration of Topics 8–10
25% of A Level
There is no coursework. Performance depends entirely on exam technique, accuracy, and efficient application of skills.
How Is A Level ICT Different from GCSE ICT?
Students moving up from GCSE or IGCSE ICT often underestimate the jump in difficulty.
At GCSE, you focus on understanding concepts and applying basic skills. At A Level, you are expected to analyse, evaluate, and justify decisions. For example, you do not just create a database. You design it, normalise it, justify the structure, and query it efficiently using SQL.
The theory content is broader and deeper, covering topics such as expert systems, advanced security threats, and formal project management methods. Practical work is more independent, with less step-by-step guidance.
This shift towards independence is deliberate. A Level ICT prepares you for higher education and professional environments where initiative and problem-solving matter.
How to Use This A Level ICT Topic List To Revise
A topic list only helps if you use it strategically.
Turn it into a revision tracker and tick off topics as you complete them. Identify weaker areas early and prioritise those in your revision plan. Revise in focused sessions, one topic at a time, rather than skimming everything repeatedly.
Link theory to practice. When revising databases, practice SQL queries. When revising project management, analyse real system life cycle scenarios. This is where exam-style practice and Smart Mark feedback become particularly valuable.
Regular self-testing matters. Flashcards are ideal for definitions, advantages and disadvantages, and key terminology, especially for Paper 1.
Consistency beats cramming every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need GCSE or IGCSE ICT To Take A Level ICT?
No. GCSE or IGCSE ICT is not a formal requirement for A Level ICT. Many students begin the course without prior ICT qualifications.
That said, prior experience helps. Familiarity with databases, spreadsheets, and basic networking concepts makes the transition smoother.
Always check individual sixth form or college entry requirements.
Is A Level ICT Hard?
A Level ICT is challenging, but it is absolutely manageable with the right approach.
The theory content is detailed, and the practical exams require speed and accuracy. Students who struggle usually do so because they revise passively or avoid timed practice.
Those who practise regularly, review examiner feedback, and refine exam technique tend to perform very well. This is a course where effort directly translates into results.
What Careers Can A Level ICT Lead To?
A Level ICT supports a wide range of pathways, including:
IT support and systems administration
Database and data analysis roles
Web and digital content development
Project and operations management
Business and information systems
It also complements subjects such as Business, Media Studies, and Maths, and develops transferable skills valued across industries.
Does A Level ICT Include Programming?
Programming is not a major focus. You study algorithms and flowcharts, and you may use macros or basic scripting, but there is no requirement to write complex programs.
If coding is your main interest, A Level Computer Science is the better fit. If you prefer applied technology and real-world problem solving, ICT is the stronger choice.
Final Thoughts
A Level ICT is a practical, relevant qualification that rewards structured thinking, precision, and consistent practice. It develops skills that extend far beyond the exam hall, from data analysis to project planning and evaluation.
The course content may look broad, but it is highly manageable when broken down topic by topic and practised under exam conditions. With clear structure, accurate terminology, and regular exam-style practice, even the most challenging questions become predictable.
Use this topic list as your roadmap. Combine it with high-quality revision notes, targeted practice, and meaningful feedback. Do that consistently, and A Level ICT is a subject you can approach with confidence.
References
Cambridge International AS and A Level Information Technology syllabus (9626) (opens in a new tab)
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