🔭 CAIE A Level Physics (9702)

CAIE A Level Physics Assessment & Examinations

Assessment objectives, paper structure, qualification routes and exam sessions for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics.

CAIE A Level Physics (9702) builds deep understanding of physical principles, quantitative skills and experimental techniques. This page summarises how the qualification is assessed so that learners, teachers and parents can plan effectively for the exams.

Assessment objectives / 9702 Physics/ (AO1, AO2 & AO3)

CAIE Physics assessment is grouped into three objectives that cover knowledge, application and practical skills.

AO1 – Knowledge & understanding

Candidates should be able to:

  • Recall physical facts, definitions, principles and theories.
  • Use correct scientific vocabulary, notation and SI units.
  • Describe instruments and apparatus, including safe and effective use.
  • Work with physical quantities, including their units and measurement.
  • Recognise how physics is applied in technology and its wider social, economic and environmental impact.
AO2 – Handling, applying & evaluating information

Candidates should be able to:

  • Select and present information from a range of sources, including text, graphs and diagrams.
  • Convert information from one form to another (e.g. from a graph to an equation).
  • Manipulate numerical data and identify patterns or trends.
  • Give reasoned explanations for physical phenomena and relationships.
  • Apply principles of physics to unfamiliar situations and support hypotheses.
  • Evaluate information and show awareness of the limitations of physical models and theories.
AO3 – Experimental skills & investigations

Candidates should be able to:

  • Plan experiments and investigations with appropriate control of variables.
  • Collect, record and present measurements and observations accurately.
  • Analyse experimental data and draw evidence-based conclusions.
  • Evaluate methods and data quality, suggesting realistic improvements.

Weighting of assessment objectives by qualification

Assessment objective Weighting in AS Level (%) Weighting in A Level (%)
AO1 Knowledge & understanding4040
AO2 Handling, applying & evaluating information4040
AO3 Experimental skills & investigations2020
Total100100

Weighting of assessment objectives by paper

Assessment objective Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5
AO1 Knowledge & understanding50%50%0%50%0%
AO2 Handling, applying & evaluating information50%50%0%50%0%
AO3 Experimental skills & investigations0%0%100%0%100%
Total100%100%100%100%100%

Examination papers

CAIE A Level Physics uses five components. Different combinations are used for AS Level and full A Level routes.

Paper 1 • Multiple Choice
  • 1 hour 15 minutes • 40 marks
  • 40 multiple-choice questions.
  • Based on AS Level Physics content, externally assessed.
≈31% of AS Level ≈15.5% of full A Level
Paper 2 • AS Structured Questions
  • 1 hour 15 minutes • 60 marks
  • Structured questions based on AS Level syllabus content.
  • Externally assessed.
≈46% of AS Level ≈23% of full A Level
Paper 3 • Advanced Practical Skills
  • 2 hours • 40 marks
  • Practical work and structured questions based on experimental skills section of the syllabus.
  • Contexts may sometimes extend beyond the syllabus content.
≈23% of AS Level ≈11.5% of full A Level
Paper 4 • A Level Structured Questions
  • 2 hours • 100 marks
  • Structured questions based on the full A Level syllabus.
  • Requires knowledge of both AS and A Level content.
≈38.5% of full A Level
Paper 5 • Planning, Analysis & Evaluation
  • 1 hour 15 minutes • 30 marks
  • Questions test planning, analysis and evaluation of practical situations.
  • Contexts may be outside the exact syllabus content.
≈11.5% of full A Level

Routes for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics

Route Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5
1. AS Level only
All AS components taken in the same series.		 yesyesyesnono
2. A Level (staged over two years)
Year 1: AS Level • Year 2: complete A Level.		 yesyesyesyesyes
3. Full A Level (single series)
All components taken in one exam series.		 yesyesyesyesyes

AS Level candidates are usually eligible for grades a–e, while full A Level candidates are eligible for grades A*–E. Centres will advise which routes and carry-forward options are available.

Exam sessions, timetables & time zones

CAIE Physics exams are offered globally in different series; the exact timetable depends on your Cambridge administrative zone.

When are CAIE Physics exams held?

Cambridge International usually offers Physics 9702 in:

  • June series – main international session.
  • November series – additional worldwide session and for retakes.

In some regions there is also a March series, with its own timetable and codes.

🌍 Global qualification 🕒 June & November series 📅 March session in some zones

Cambridge divides centres into administrative zones to manage exam times and security. The timetable for your zone lists the exact date, local start time and duration for each Physics paper.

To find the correct timetable:

  • Ask your exams officer which Cambridge zone your centre belongs to.
  • Download the timetable for that zone from the Cambridge International website.
  • Highlight all entries for Physics 9702 and note paper codes, dates and times.

Always follow the official timetable and your centre’s instructions. Use SmartEduHub alongside this information to organise revision and practise targeted past papers for every Physics component.