Cambridge International AS & A Level Grading Scale

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Gloria

Cambridge International AS & A Level Grading Scale provides a comprehensive overview of how Cambridge student performance is evaluated, highlighting key differences from the standard US grading scale. The document clarifies that Cambridge uses letter designations without pluses or minuses, where advancing to the next letter grade signifies a higher distinction. Passing grades for Cambridge International AS & A Levels are defined as an E or higher, with equivalent standing to a US letter grade of ‘C’. Crucially, unlike US systems, there is no ‘F’ equivalent for failure; instead, students who do not pass receive an ‘ungraded’ result. Any received grade signifies a successful exam completion. The document includes a comparative table illustrating the equivalency between USA, AS Level, and A Level grades, showing A+ equivalent to ‘a’ for AS Level and A* for A Level, while A is equivalent to ‘a’ for AS Level and A for A Level. Grades B+ through C map to AS Level grades b through e, and A Level grades B through E. D+ and lower in the US system are all marked as ‘U’ (ungraded) for both AS and A Levels in Cambridge International qualifications, emphasizing that any awarded grade means the student has passed. This scale is essential for interpreting student scores accurately within the Cambridge framework, distinguishing it from common grading conventions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Cambridge International AS & A Level Grading Scale

Understanding our grading scale is critical to understanding Cambridge student performance.

Passing grades for Cambridge International AS & A Levels are E (equivalent to a US letter grade of ‘C’) or higher.

Unlike US systems, there is no letter grade to designate a failure (no‘F’ equivalent).

In short, if a student receives any grade, they have passed their exam.

FAQs

What are the key differences between the Cambridge International grading scale and the US grading scale?

The Cambridge International grading scale uses letter designations without pluses or minuses, and a grade of 'E' or higher is considered a pass, equivalent to a US 'C'. Unreceived grades are marked as 'ungraded' instead of an 'F'.

What constitutes a passing grade in Cambridge International AS & A Levels?

A passing grade in Cambridge International AS & A Levels is an 'E' or higher. Receiving any grade at all indicates that the student has passed the exam.

How do Cambridge AS Level grades compare to US grades?

Cambridge AS Level grades range from 'a' (equivalent to a US A+ or A) down to 'e' (equivalent to a US C). Grades below 'e' are marked as 'U' for ungraded.

How do Cambridge A Level grades compare to US grades?

Cambridge A Level grades range from 'A*' (equivalent to a US A+) down to 'E' (equivalent to a US C). Grades below 'E' are marked as 'U' for ungraded.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Gloria