Where Can I Take IGCSE Exams?

Written by: Sam Evans

Published

29 August 2025

Contents

You’re learning from home and doing your IGCSEs (opens in a new tab) online, but how do you do your exams? If you’re wondering where you can take your IGCSE exams, and how it all works, we’ll walk through all this in our guide.

Key Takeaways

You can study your courses online, but you'll take exams in person at an approved centre listed on the exam board’s website
Aim to book your exams 4–6 months before
Call up the centre to register
Once you’ve paid, you’ll get a confirmation statement
Take this with you on exam day, plus your photo ID and accepted equipment
Make sure to arrive early and follow the exam rules

Who Needs to Find an IGCSE Exam Centre?

If you’re studying your IGCSEs from home or online, then you’re what’s known as a private candidate. This is because schools automatically register their students for exams, and you’re taking your IGCSEs independently.

Although you’re learning virtually, you’ll sit your exams like any IGCSE student. This is so that your qualification is recognised, or approved.

It isn’t as tricky as you might think it is to sort out your exams on your own. All you’ll do is find an approved place to take your exams (one where you’ll conduct your exams under the proper conditions). When it’s time, you’ll go and sit your exams with other independent IGCSE students.

Types of Centres That Offer IGCSE Exams

There are lots of trusted places where you can take your IGCSE exams. Maybe you might want somewhere close by, or a place you’ll feel comfortable. You should be able to find one that suits you.

Let’s go through some options.

Private exam centres

Private exam centres are approved places that specialise in holding exams for private candidates just like you
- This means they may have flexible schedules, or can offer personal support
- You might prefer to do your exams with other independent IGCSE students

International schools

Maybe you’d prefer to take your IGCSE exams in a school setting
Some international schools accept a certain number of private candidates
- It’ll depend on if the school can arrange this, and if there are spaces available

British Council centres

You might like to take your IGCSE exams at a local British Council exam centre (opens in a new tab)
These are often used by international students who aren’t at a traditional school
- They’re usually smaller centres where you’ll take your exams with a limited group of people

Some sixth forms or independent schools

You might find a local sixth form, college, or independent school that accepts private entries
- Maybe you’d prefer a place in your neighbourhood
- Call them early: their spaces might be limited

Cambridge vs Edexcel vs OxfordAQA Exam Centres

There are a few different exam boards that offer IGCSEs. So, one of the first things you’ll want to do is find out the one you’re using in each of your IGCSE subjects. This is so that you can register for the right exams in the right place.

If you don’t know what exams boards you’re following, your tutor will help
- You should be able to find the name on your text books and learning materials
It could be the Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab), the Edexcel Pearson IGCSE (opens in a new tab), or the OxfordAQA International IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

Once you know which exam subjects you’re taking, and which exam board they follow, you can call your preferred exam centre. They’ll be able to tell you if they offer your exam board. For example, Exam Centre London (opens in a new tab) offers the Edexcel Pearson IGCSE exams.

How to Find an IGCSE Exam Centre

There’s a lot of support when it comes to where you can take your IGCSE exams. It all depends on the kind of place you’d feel comfortable in, how close you want to be to home, and whether they offer the IGCSE exams you’re taking.

When you’ve found the right place, you’ll call up and book to sit your exams. It’s as simple as that.

Some things to bear in mind:

Generally, you’ll want to register 4–6 months before the exam dates (opens in a new tab)
Entry deadlines will be different across subjects and exam boards

In the UK

You’ll be able to find a local exam centre through JCQ (opens in a new tab) (the Joint Council for Qualifications) or on the relevant exam board websites.

When you know what your exam board is, visit the following links:

Edexcel Pearson IGCSE private candidate advice (opens in a new tab)
Cambridge International IGCSE private candidate advice (opens in a new tab)

Outside the UK

If you’re doing your IGCSE exams internationally, you have a few options.

You could:

Look for an approved British Council centre (opens in a new tab) near you
Find an international school that hosts IGCSE exams
- They usually follow a British curriculum
- You can browse the list offered by the Council of British International Schools (opens in a new tab)

What You’ll Need to Register

You’re almost ready to take your IGCSEs as a private candidate. Get a few things ready before you call up the exam centre to register your entries, though.

First of all, there may be a registration form on their website to download or submit. Some exam centres may ask you to collect one in person.

When you call up, they’ll ask you for:

Proof of identity
- Either a passport or birth certificate is ideal
Your registration form
A list of the exam subjects you want to take
Your exam codes
- They might call them syllabus codes, specification codes, entry codes, or course codes
- You can find them under the relevant exam board and subject
- For example, you’ll see the exam code for Cambridge IGCSE Maths is 0580 & 0980

They’ll ask you to pay the relevant exam fees.

You’ll usually pay for each IGCSE subject entry

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive something called your exam statement. The exam centre or school will email or post it to you. When you get it, check it has the correct information on it, and make a note of the dates and times of your exams.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Once your exams are all registered, and you’ve studied your courses, what will it be like taking your IGCSE exams in an exam centre? Being prepared and knowing what to expect will go a long way to settling your nerves.

On the exam day, you’ll need to make sure you bring a few things along.

Your photo identification
Your statement of entry
Any equipment you’re allowed to take in
- Such as pens, calculators, and rulers
- Cambridge International has a list of what students can take into the exams (opens in a new tab)

Of course, you’ll want to arrive with plenty of time to spare. Give yourself time for travel, to find your way around and familiarise yourself with the centre, and have a glass of water, maybe. Also, most exam centres won’t let you in if you’re late.

Although you’re an independent IGCSE learner, your exams must be taken under typical exam conditions, as it would be at school. You’ll be reminded of the exam rules when you’re there. For example, you probably won’t be able to take your mobile phone or bag into the exam room. But don’t worry: you’ll be guided through the whole process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take IGCSE exams online?

Although you can study your IGCSE course online, you’ll take your exams in an approved, local exam centre, under proper conditions.

How much does it cost to sit IGCSE exams?

It depends on the exam board and subject, as well as the exam centre. It’s best to ask directly.

What if there’s no exam centre near me?

You should be able to find one that’s reasonably local, but if your circumstances are particular, contact the exam board.

Do I need to study through a registered school to take IGCSE exams?

You can enter for IGCSE exams independently as a private candidate.

Finding the best place to take your IGCSE exams as an independent learner should be straightforward once you know where to look. Think about where you’d prefer to take your exams, too. Somewhere close by may help make the day more relaxed.

It is important to make sure of a few things.