# Edexcel IAL vs Cambridge 9702

> Compare Edexcel International A-Level Physics and Cambridge 9702: structure, paper formats, marking style and how to choose past papers.

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Study guide

Both qualifications lead to university physics courses, but their paper structure and question style differ. If you are choosing, or supporting a student, this comparison explains what changes.

## Qualification structure

Edexcel International A-Level Physics is modular. Students take separate units (WPH11 to WPH16), each with its own exam session, and can resit individual units. Cambridge 9702 is linear: students sit Paper 1 to Paper 4 at the end of the course, plus Paper 5 for the practical planning and analysis component.

The modular structure makes Edexcel IAL easier to revise in blocks, because each unit covers a smaller section of the specification. Cambridge 9702 rewards a broader, more connected understanding across the whole syllabus.

## Paper formats

Edexcel IAL units mix multiple-choice, short structured and extended-response questions depending on the unit. Cambridge 9702 separates them: Paper 1 is multiple choice, Paper 2 and Paper 4 are structured, Paper 3 is practical skills, and Paper 5 is planning and analysis.

If you are practising Cambridge Paper 5, use the 9702 Paper 5 hub rather than a general physics topic page: the question style is distinct and depends on experimental design language.

## Marking style

Both boards award method and accuracy marks, but Cambridge schemes often place more emphasis on precise wording and units in structured answers. Edexcel schemes tend to break a question into clearly labelled parts, so partial credit is easier to see. In both cases, the mark scheme is the best guide to what must appear on the page.

## How to choose past papers

- Use the board and specification you are actually sitting. Question style is board-specific.
- If you are undecided, try one paper from each board and compare how the questions are worded.
- Do not use Cambridge 9702 papers as a substitute for Edexcel unit revision, or the reverse, unless you are deliberately practising transferable physics.

## Where to start on Exam Science

Open the [Edexcel IAL Physics hub](https://www.examsci.com/past-papers/edexcel-ial/physics/) or the [Cambridge 9702 hub](https://www.examsci.com/past-papers/cie-ial/physics/). Each paper page lists every question, its topic, marks and difficulty, so you can compare styles before choosing a subscription.

## Put it into practice

Open a paper and see how the mark scheme is applied to your own answers.

[Browse past papers](https://www.examsci.com/papers)

## Related pages

- [Edexcel IAL Physics past papers](https://www.examsci.com/past-papers/edexcel-ial/physics/)
- [Cambridge 9702 past papers](https://www.examsci.com/past-papers/cie-ial/physics/)
- [How to use past papers effectively](https://www.examsci.com/guides/how-to-use-past-papers-effectively/)

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Full page with native tables, bar charts and Practice Hub links: https://www.examsci.com/guides/edexcel-ial-vs-cie-9702/