specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Chemistry (0971) is a linear qualification with Core (grades 5-1) and Extended (eligible for the full 9-1 range) routes. Candidates sit three of six papers: a multiple-choice paper (1 or 2), a theory paper (3 or 4), and either a practical test (Paper 5) or an alternative-to-practical paper (Paper 6). Same content as the parallel A*-G syllabus 0620 with 9-1 grading.
subject content
1-4. States of matter, atoms/elements/compounds, stoichiometry, electrochemistry
All papers- States of matter and diffusion
- Atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures
- Stoichiometry, moles and chemical formulae
- Electrochemistry
5-8. Energy, chemical reactions, acids/bases, periodic table
All papers- Chemical energetics
- Rates, reversible reactions and equilibrium
- Acids, bases and salts
- The periodic table
9-12. Metals, chemistry of the environment, organic chemistry, experimental techniques and chemical analysis
All papers- Metals and their compounds
- Chemistry of the environment
- Organic chemistry: hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids, polymers
- Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (MCQ Core) | Core content | 45m | 40 | 30% | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 2 (MCQ Extended) | Extended content | 45m | 40 | 30% | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 3 (Theory Core) | Core content | 1h 15m | 80 | 50% | Short-answer and structured questions |
| Paper 4 (Theory Extended) | Extended content | 1h 15m | 80 | 50% | Short-answer and structured questions |
| Paper 5 (Practical Test) | Practical skills | 1h 15m | 40 | 20% | Hands-on practical test |
| Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical) | Practical skills tested on paper | 1h | 40 | 20% | Written questions on practical scenarios |
Core route sits Papers 1, 3 and 5 or 6 (grades 5-1). Extended route sits Papers 2, 4 and 5 or 6 (full 9-1 range). Your school picks Paper 5 (hands-on) or Paper 6 (written alternative).
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, principles and concepts. | 50% |
| AO2 | Handling information and problem solving. | 30% |
| AO3 | Experimental skills and investigations. | 20% |
higher vs foundation
| Aspect | Foundation tier | Higher tier |
|---|---|---|
| Grades available | Core: 5-1 | Extended: full 9-1 range |
| Papers | Papers 1 (MCQ) + 3 (theory) + 5 or 6 | Papers 2 (MCQ) + 4 (theory) + 5 or 6 |
| Content depth | Core content only | Core + Extended (supplementary) content |
key tips for success
Master ionic equations and half-equations
Extended-tier stoichiometry rewards precise half-equations for redox and electrolysis. Practise until automatic.
Learn organic chemistry systematically
Homologous series (alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids) with naming, structures and reactions. Cambridge rewards precise structural formulae.
Practise Paper 6 questions
If your school chose Paper 6 (alternative to practical), practise the specific written-practical format, analysing data tables, drawing graphs, evaluating methods.
Master the periodic table
Trends in reactivity (Group 1, Group 7), properties of metals vs non-metals, transition metal characteristics. Learn the patterns.
Build a definition bank
Cambridge rewards precise definitions (mole, empirical formula, exothermic, dynamic equilibrium). Learn word-for-word from the syllabus.
Use past papers
CIE IGCSE Chemistry past papers are widely available and directly relevant. Do timed practice through the course.
Where to next
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