If you are preparing for your IGCSE or A-level examination, you will generally have a choice of which board examination you want to take – CIE or EDEXCEL. CIE is the Cambridge International Examination and EDEXCEL is offered by a subsidiary of the Pearson publishing company. Both examinations are highly respected and have equal value in regard to further studies or employment.
Both examinations are set at similar levels of difficulty, although individual opinions differ with some students find certain subjects in one examination more difficult than in the other. Both CIE and EDEXCEL are for students in the 14 to 16 year age group.
CIE
EDEXCEL
The Key Difference
The two examinations are structured differently. CIE uses a tiered examination system which offers students the option of entering at either the Foundation or Higher levels. The more difficult questions are given in the Higher level papers. In the case of EDEXCEL, only mathematics has tiered entry. For all other subjects, there is only one set of question papers which means that both difficult and easy questions will be in the same paper.
Making The Right Choice
Both CIE and EDEXCEL are highly regarded international academic qualifications that open doors to both admissions to institutions of higher learning around the world as well as provide employment opportunities. While they are similar in many respects, it is important that you know and understand the subtle difference. You should take the examination that suits your individual aptitude best so that you are able to do well. If you ask for advice from those around you or those who have taken these examinations, you will receive all kinds of differing opinions. To get the guidance you need to make the correct decision, contact experts not just in the field of education but also of helping students prepare for these examinations. Their knowledge and experience will give you the guidance you need to make the correct choice.