US higher education frequently asked questions

Awarding grades for the June 2020 exam series

Since we took the decision not to run exams in the June 2020 series due to Covid-19, we have drawn on our wealth of assessment expertise to develop a valid and effective approach to awarding grades for missed exams. The ultimate goal has been to ensure safety for all stakeholders and equality of opportunity for all students. 

Students will receive grades and diplomas (e.g. Cambridge AICE) as if they had sat for the exams. The grades and diplomas received this year will carry the same weight and prestige as those awarded in the past. 

Below are frequently asked questions from higher education institutions about our process. Students and schools should consult our Information for schools about coronavirus.

How will Cambridge International award grades for the June 2020 exam series?

Our grading process for the June 2020 series relies on evidence of student learning, based on Cambridge International’s guidelines for grading. The process provides an equal opportunity for all students to demonstrate their mastery of the content and skills for each course.

Read the full details of how Cambridge International will award grades for the June 2020 exam series (PDF, 83KB).

In developing this approach, we have engaged with different entities worldwide, including other awarding bodies, governments and universities.

Will schools be required to send evidence of student performance to Cambridge International?

To make sure our process is valid and treats all students and schools equally, we are requesting evidence from schools for an audit process. Schools must retain this evidence until final results are released. This means we can conduct audits to make sure our methodology is rigorous and our grades are reliable.

Colleges’ and universities’ acceptance of the exam grades transcript

Will colleges and universities accept the exams grades transcript?

Cambridge International will provide colleges and university partners with clear information about the assessments that have been conducted during the student's participation in IGCSE, O Level, AS & A level, AICE Diploma and Pre-U and the process by which final marks were determined in this unusual year. We will continue to make sure our assessment processes are valid and reliable.

Each college or university will be able to make informed decisions as they have done in the past about their Cambridge International policies regarding admissions, credit granting, advanced standing, and scholarship awards.

Will the process of obtaining and receiving a transcript change?

Cambridge International is committed to maintaining its current processes in place as much as possible in an unprecedented global situation. We are continuing to provide transcripts for Cambridge AICE Diploma, and AS and A Level course certificates. Governments and universities will receive the information they need to make appropriate decisions.

To further support students, we have worked with higher education institutes to move the vast majority of our transcripts to electronic delivery.

Will Cambridge International students receive college credit for Cambridge AS and A Level courses?

Students will receive grades and diplomas (e.g. Cambridge AICE) as if they had sat for the exam. The grades and diplomas received this year will carry the same weight and prestige as those awarded in the past.

Each university will be able to make informed decisions as they have done in the past about their Cambridge International policies regarding admissions, credit granting, advanced standing, and scholarship awards.

Will Cambridge AS Level grades carry the same currency and still be used as a credit toward completion of the Cambridge AICE Diploma?

Yes, the AS level grades will carry the same currency and can be used towards the completion of the AICE Diploma. The Cambridge AICE diploma continues to count towards US scholarships (e.g. Bright Futures in Florida).

Will the State Higher Education Executive Officer (SHEEO) in my state and other relevant government entities accept the method for awarding grades this year for the Cambridge AS and A Levels?

Cambridge International will provide governments with clear information about the assessments that have been conducted during students’ participation in the one and two years of the Cambridge AS and A Levels, and the process by which final marks were determined in this unusual year. We will continue to make sure our assessment processes are valid and reliable.

Each entity will then be able to make informed decisions about the use of Cambridge International data for accountability and policy development.

Communication with universities

How is Cambridge International communicating with colleges and universities?

Cambridge International has established a working group, comprised of senior Cambridge International staff, that, with continuous input from both K-12 and higher education stakeholders, is addressing all needs for schools, higher education, and students during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We correspond regularly with our US Higher Education Advisory Council (HEAC) and regional US HEACs, consisting of higher education admission leaders, regarding Cambridge International’s response to the spread of Covid-19.

Cambridge International is communicating with higher education partners through email, meetings, website, and national organizations such as AACRAO.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you online with any further information and implications for universities and colleges.

Colleges and universities with additional questions may contact Cambridge International Customer Services.

When will Cambridge International release scores for the June 2020 series to schools?

As in prior years, Cambridge International will release scores in August, this year on 11 August 2020.