Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Further Science (NSF0) - Specification - Issue 1

Oct 20, 2026

Specification for the Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Further Science (NSF0), first certified from June 2018, Issue 1. Describes the qualification’s purpose, alignment with GCSE (9–1) Sciences, and progression route to GCSE Combined Science. Provides an overview of subject content and externally set assessment structure across six tests covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, plus assessment objectives, administration, entries, access arrangements, and supporting resources including appendices on calculators, working scientifically, taxonomy, and codes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Why choose the Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Further Science?

Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification

Qualification at a glance

Subject content and assessment information

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Assessment Objectives

Administration and general information

Entries

Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice

Student recruitment and progression

Appendices

Appendix 1: Assessment authentication sheet

Appendix 2: Calculators

Appendix 3: Working scientifically

Appendix 4: Taxonomy

Appendix 5: Codes

Entry Level Certificate in Further Science Speciﬁcation Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certiﬁcate in Further Science (NSF0) First certiﬁcation from June 2018 Issue 1 Contents 1 Introduction 2 Why choose the Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Further Science? 2 Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification 3 Qualification at a glance 4 2 Subject content and assessment information 5 Biology 7 Chemistry 11 Physics 16 Assessment Objectives 23 3 Administration and general information 24 Entries 24 Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice 25 Student recruitment and progression 27 Appendix 1: Assessment authentication sheet 31 Appendix 2: Calculators 33 Appendix 3: Working scientifically 34 Appendix 4: Taxonomy 35 Appendix 5: Codes 36 1 Introduction Why choose the Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Further Science? We’ve listened to feedback from all parts of the science community and taken this redevelopment as an opportunity to redesign the Entry Level Certificate so that it complements the GCSE (9–1) Sciences, and supports every student in their enjoyment of science and success in their studies. Our Entry Level Certificate in Further Science has been designed to closely match the programme of study of and provide a progression route to GCSE Combined Science . The Certificate supports advancement in science by cementing core understanding and maximising engagement with the subject. Co-teachability with GCSE Combined Science – key aspects of the GCSE Combined Science qualification are reflected in the Entry Level Certificate to help with co-teachability, such as careful selection of practicals and alignment of topics in the two qualifications. This ensures that students can retain the option to attempt the GCSE examinations should they progress well through the Entry Level course . Assessments designed to encourage progression to GCSE – assessments prepare students for GCSE by drawing on key elements such as the assessment of practical skills, while retaining the flavour of Entry Level with assessments that can be taken at any time during the course . Supporting you in planning and implementing this qualification Planning ● Our Getting Started guide gives you an overview of the new Entry Level Certificate qualification to help you to get to grips with the changes to content and assessment and to help you understand what these changes mean for you and your students. ● We will give you an editable course planner and scheme of work that you can adapt to suit your department. Teaching and learning There will be lots of free teaching and learning support to help you deliver the new qualification, including: ● a free teacher guide, which will include information on language used at each level, more on the assessment of practical skills and general information on the structure of the qualification ● free practical support to help prepare for the changes to practical assessment. Preparing for exams We provide a range of support to help you prepare your students for the assessments, including: ● sample assessment materials to support formative assessment practice ● sample practical questions with commentary to help support the inclusion of practical skills in the assessments. Get help and support Our subject advisor service, led by Stephen Nugus and Julius Edwards, will ensure that you receive help and guidance, it also allows you to share ideas and information with other teachers. You can sign up to receive e-newsletters from Kathryn Booth (Head of Science and Technologies team) for qualification updates and product and service news ([scienceteamupdates@pearson.com](scienceteamupdates@pearson.com)). Find all of this and more at [quals.pearson.com/ELC](quals.pearson.com/ELC). Content and assessment overview The Pearson Edexcel Entry Level Certificate in Further Science con

FAQs

What is the progression pathway of the Entry Level Certificate in Further Science?

The programme is designed to match the GCSE Combined Science programme of study and provide a progression route, supporting advancement by cementing core understanding and engagement.

How is the qualification assessed?

The certificate consists of six externally set tests. The papers include multiple-choice, closed-response, graphical, short-open response, and calculations, with no fixed set time for completion.

What practical guidance and support is provided for teaching and assessment?

Support includes a teacher guide, free practical support for changes to practical assessment, and sample assessment materials with sample practical questions and commentary to embed practical skills.

Oct 20, 2026

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