Both are Cambridge International qualifications for students aged about 14 to 16, and both lead on to A Level. Students in Bangladesh most often sit O Level, while IGCSE is offered in more countries. Here is what actually differs.
They are equivalent
Cambridge International states that Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level are equivalent qualifications, grade for grade. An A in one is worth an A in the other, and both are accepted as equivalent to the UK GCSE for university and college entry.
Grading
| Cambridge O Level | Cambridge IGCSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade scale | A* to E | A* to G, or 9 to 1 in some regions |
| Coursework | Fewer coursework options | More syllabuses offer coursework |
| Local syllabuses | Some developed for local needs | Designed for international use |
Which one should you take?
In practice your school decides, because schools register for one or the other. What matters more is the syllabus for each subject. For maths, O Level students usually sit Mathematics (Syllabus D) 4024, and many add Additional Mathematics 4037.
If you are preparing for 4024 or 4037, these free pages cover the topics students search for most:
- 4024 quadratic equations exam questions
- 4037 factor and remainder theorem questions
- How to complete the square
Source: Cambridge International, "What is the difference between Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Levels?"