I cannot get the exact equipment or chemicals specified in the Confidential Instructions, but I can obtain something similar. Am I allowed to adapt the experiment at all?

No, you are not allowed to adapt the experiment. If you cannot get some of the chemicals you need from local, in-country, or international sources, email us at info@cambridgeinternational.org and in the subject line tell us the syllabus, component and include the heading ‘Difficulty procuring chemical’ . The body of the email should provide us with more details of the chemicals you are finding hard to obtain.

We will suggest alternative chemicals that candidates can use. These may be items you already keep in your centre, or which you can find locally. The supervisor’s report should clearly record any alternative chemicals that have been agreed with us before the exam.