Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618) practical test - Exam administration guidance

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Riley

Guidance for exam officers or supervisors administering the Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618) practical test, covering responsibilities, scheduling, and preparation. It specifies a one-day window and the need for single-session completion, plus planning reserve time for possible rescheduling due to technical issues. It details required materials (printed question papers, Digital File Despatch source files, and Word evidence documents), secure handling, hardware/software readiness, correct date/time setup, spare equipment, and secure candidate work access. It also outlines invigilation requirements, personnel roles, and restrictions on candidate equipment and internet access.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Responsibilities

Who administers the practical test

When the practical test is held

Where and when candidates sit the test

Preparation requirements

Materials needed

Testing hardware and software

Question paper handling

Source file handling and evidence document

Test-day arrangements

Spare equipment

Secure set-up and candidate access controls

Invigilation and supervisor staffing

Restrictions on candidate equipment

Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618) practical test These instructions are for exams officers or supervisors responsible for administering the Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618) practical test. Who is responsible for administering the Computer Science practical test? A suitably competent supervisor, who may be the candidates’ tutor, is responsible for the administration of the Computer Science practical test. The supervisor is also responsible for preparing the hardware and software for the test. When should the Computer Science practical test be held? You have a one-day window to conduct the Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science practical test. The date of the practical test is published on our website: • [www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables](www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables) • [www.cambridgeinternational.org/beforetheexams](www.cambridgeinternational.org/beforetheexams) Candidates must complete the practical test in a single session. Wherever possible, candidates from the same centre should sit their test at the same time. If you need to run more than one session, see section 1.2.4 of the Cambridge Handbook. When arranging the test, consider the time you will need to set up the systems. It is also helpful to plan in some ‘reserve’ time for additional tests. This is because something may happen that means you have to reschedule a test. For example, you may experience a hardware failure or other technical difficulty. What do I need to do to prepare for the Computer Science practical test? You need these materials to conduct the practical test: | Material | Method of delivery | | --- | --- | | Question paper | We send you printed copies | | Source file(s) and evidence Word
document | You download from Digital File
Despatch | If you do not have all the materials listed above, please contact us: [info@cambridgeinternational.org](info@cambridgeinternational.org) There are several things you need to do before the test starts. Testing the hardware and software The hardware and software the candidates will be using during the test must be in full working order to allow them to meet all the performance criteria set out in the syllabus. You must provide the computers used in the test. We cannot take into account errors caused by faulty software or hardware when marking candidates’ work. Therefore, it is important for the supervisor to work through a past or specimen paper, using the hardware and software the candidates will be using, before the test. You must make sure the date and time settings are correct on each computer before candidates start the test. The settings should be locked to prevent candidates from changing them. If your computers are not maintaining the correct date and time due to faulty CMOS batteries, replace them before the test. If any computers are receiving an incorrect date and time from a time signal device, such as a router on the network, you must update the time signal device so that it is correct. Question papers We send printed question papers to your centre. Do not open the question paper packets before the start of the test. Source files You must download the required source file(s) from Digital File Despatch. Source files are confidential materials and must be handled as such. You must store all source files securely once they have downloaded. You must treat digital confidential materials in exactly the same way as printed materials. See sections 4.3.2 and 4.4 of the Cambridge Handbook. Files are available three calendar days before the test date window for Cambridge International Schools. Cambridge Associates can download the source files five calendar days before the test date window to allow enough time to securely distribute the source files to their Associate Centres. The source file(s) will be in .txt file format. Additionally, each candidate will have a Micros

FAQs

Who is responsible for administering the Cambridge International Computer Science practical test?

A suitably competent supervisor is responsible for administering the practical test, including preparing the hardware and software. The supervisor may also be the candidates’ tutor.

When can the practical test be held and how should candidates complete it?

The practical test must be conducted within a one-day window published on Cambridge’s website. Candidates must complete the practical test in a single session.

What materials must a centre have to run the practical test?

Centres must have printed question papers, the required source files downloaded from Digital File Despatch, and a Microsoft Word evidence document for each candidate. If any materials are missing, the centre should contact Cambridge.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Riley