Is the IGCSE grading system similar to the SPM grading system? This is a common question among parents considering international school education for their children.
Although both are secondary school qualifications, they are developed by different examination and regulatory bodies and use different grading systems.
In this guide, we will explain the IGCSE grading system, grade boundaries and how marks are converted into final results. Understanding how IGCSE grades are awarded can help parents better interpret their child's results and plan future education pathways.
| IGCSE Grading System | Grades Used | Highest Grade | Examination Boards | What Parents Should Know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A*–G Grading Scale | A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, U | A* | Cambridge IGCSE | The traditional grading system used to measure student performance from outstanding to ungraded results |
| 9–1 Grading Scale | 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 | 9 | Pearson Edexcel International GCSE | The newer grading system provides more differentiation between higher-performing students |
| Grade Boundaries | Subject-specific marks required for each grade | Varies by subject | Cambridge and Edexcel | Boundaries change depending on exam difficulty, student performance and exam session |
| Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM) | Standardised mark scale | Varies | Cambridge qualifications (where applicable) | Helps compare performance levels but is not the same as a student’s raw exam percentage |
🔠IGCSE Grades: Understanding the IGCSE Grading System in Malaysia
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education’s grading system may seem confusing at first, especially for students and parents who are new to the IGCSE framework.
Many Malaysian parents compare IGCSE with SPM1 because both are secondary school qualifications. However, they use different grading systems and assessment approaches.
| SPM | IGCSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Examination body | Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia) | Depends on examination board (e.g. Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, OxfordAQA) |
| Grading system | A+ to G | Cambridge: A* to G / Pearson Edexcel & OxfordAQA: 9–1 |
| Grade boundaries | Not publicly released | Cambridge publishes grade thresholds after each examination series |
| Assessment methods | Mainly written examinations | Written examinations, with some subjects including coursework, practical assessments or speaking components |
IGCSE qualifications are offered by different examination boards, each using different grading scales. The two main grading formats are:
- 9 - 1
- A*- G
There is a grade in both scales, which is called U.
U means "Ungraded" and is awarded when a student's performance does not meet the minimum standard required for a grade.
Three main International GCSE examining boards offer qualifications in Malaysia:
- Cambridge Assessment International Education
- Pearson Edexcel
- Oxford AQA
They use different grading scales. Refer below:
Exam Board
🟢 Cambridge
🟠 Pearson Edexcel
🟠 Oxford AQA
Scale
🟢 A* - G
🟠 9 -1
🟠 9 -1
Here are the two grading scales in detail2:
| A*-G scale | 9-1 scale |
|---|---|
| 9 | |
| A* | 8 |
| A | 7 |
| B | 6 |
| C | 5 |
| D | 4 |
| E | 3 |
| F | 2 |
| G | 1 |
| U | U |
Note: The two grading scales do not have a direct one-to-one equivalence. The table is only a general guide, as grade boundaries and requirements may differ between exam boards and institutions.
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What is Considered a Pass in IGCSE?
The standard passing grade is:
- Grade 4 on the 9-1 scale
- Grade C on the A*- G scale
However, some universities or programmes may require a Grade 5 or above, depending on their admission requirements.
🏫 How IGCSE Grade Boundaries Work?
Many parents assume that learners need a fixed percentage to achieve a particular result. However, the grade boundaries are not fixed marks or percentages.
They are the minimum raw marks required to achieve a specific grade for a particular subject and exam series. They are decided after the examination has been completed and take into account factors such as:
- The difficulty level of the paper
- Overall student performance
- Your final grade combines marks from different assessment components.
For instance, an A grade in Mathematics may require a different raw mark compared to an A grade in Biology because each subject has different syllabuses, assessment objectives and levels of difficulty.
The grade boundaries show the minimum number of marks learners need to achieve each grade in a specific subject and examination series.
They may change between different exam series depending on the difficulty of the paper and overall performance.
Students can check these details officially through their examination board after results are released3.
💯IGCSE Grading System Percentage: How Percentage Uniform Marks (PUM) Work
When checking the Cambridge IGCSE statement of results, some students and parents may notice a Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM)4 alongside their grades. Cambridge uses PUM, a scaled score from 0–100 that indicates whether a student is at the top, middle, or bottom of their grade.
| Grade | Percentage Uniform Mark Range |
|---|---|
| A* | 90 - 100 |
| A | 80 - 89 |
| B | 70 - 79 |
| C | 60 - 69 |
| D | 50 - 59 |
| E | 40 - 49 |
| F (Cambridge IGCSE only) | 30 - 39 |
| G (Cambridge IGCSE only) | 20 - 29 |
Note: PUM ranges are a general guide for interpreting performance within a grade. The exact relationship between raw marks, grades and PUM depends on the subject and examination series.
How to Interpret PUM Scores: A Simple Example
To explain this simply, let’s use a story.
Imagine Sarah is a Year 11 student sitting for her Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics examination in May/June 2026.
She completes her papers and her answers are marked by the examiners. After marking is completed, Sarah receives her raw marks.
For example:
Sarah’s raw mark: 65/100
At first glance, Sarah may assume:
“I received 65%, so does that mean I get a C?”
However, Cambridge does not use a fixed-percentage method where a certain percentage always equals a particular grade.
Instead, after the examination is completed, Cambridge sets grade boundaries for that specific subject and exam series (May/June 2026).
The boundaries consider factors such as the difficulty of the paper and statistical analysis of student performance.
Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics grade boundaries (for illustration purposes only):
Grade
A*
A
B
C
Minimum Raw Mark
75
65
55
45
Since Sarah’s raw mark is 65, she receives:
Grade: A
Now that her grade has been determined, Cambridge converts her raw marks into a Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM).
PUM is not the same as Sarah’s raw mark; instead, it is a standardised score that shows where Sarah’s performance falls within the Grade A range.
For example:
Sarah:
- Raw mark: 65/100
- Grade: A
- PUM: 82
Another student, Daniel, may have:
- Raw mark: 73/100
- Grade: A
- PUM: 88
Note: The PUM values shown above are for illustration purposes only.
Both Sarah and Daniel achieved a Grade A, but Daniel’s PUM shows that he performed closer to the top of the Grade A range.
Cambridge determines the exact PUM calculation method, and it varies depending on the subject and exam series.
Learners cannot calculate PUM directly from raw marks because the process depends on the grade boundaries for that specific exam series.
After Cambridge completes the conversion, Sarah’s Statement of Results will show her final grade together with her PUM score.
A sample Statement of Results may look like this:
Subject
Mathematics
Grade
A
Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM)
82
The grade is the official result, while the PUM provides additional information about where Sarah performed within that grade range.
Pearson Edexcel uses the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS), which serves a similar purpose by converting raw marks into a common scale for comparing performance across different exam series.
🧮IGCSE Marks and Grades: How Are Results Calculated?
Learning about IGCSE marks and grades can help parents better interpret their child’s results. A final grade is not based solely on the marks achieved in a single exam paper.
Instead, it may reflect performance across different assessment components for that subject.
Depending on the subject, assessment may include:
- Written papers
- Speaking or oral assessments for selected language subjects
- Practical assessments for science subjects
- Coursework or internally assessed components (where applicable)
Some Cambridge IGCSE subjects also offer Core and Extended tiers. These tiers refer to the depth of syllabus content assessed in the examination, not whether a subject is compulsory or elective.
Core Tier: The exam focuses on fundamental concepts and skills within the subject. It is designed for learners who are more comfortable with the essential content. For many tiered subjects, the highest available grade for Core is Grade C.
Extended Tier: The exam includes the Core content as well as additional topics and more challenging concepts. Learners taking Extended can access higher grades, including A* in many Cambridge subjects.
For compulsory (core) and elective subjects, learners may still take either Core or Extended where the subject offers tiered options. The tier they choose determines the range of grades available, not whether the subject is compulsory or elective.
For example, a student may take Mathematics as a compulsory subject and choose Extended Mathematics to access higher grades.
❖ Core Subject (Compulsory Subject): Schools usually require students to take, such as English, Mathematics or Science.
❖ Core Tier: An exam tier available in selected IGCSE subjects. It covers fundamental concepts and provides access to a more limited grade range.
❖ Remember: A core subject does not mean a student must take the Core Tier. Students may take Core or Extended Tier depending on the chosen option and their academic ability.
🌎IGCSE Equivalent in Malaysia: How Are IGCSE Grades Recognised?
For Malaysian parents, one common concern is the IGCSE equivalent in Malaysia and how it compares with local qualifications.
In general, the closest local qualification is SPM, as both are commonly taken at the end of secondary education.
However, they follow different syllabuses, assessment methods, and examination boards. As a result, there is no direct one-to-one conversion of grades between the two.
Both qualifications are accepted by Malaysian universities, although entry requirements vary depending on the university and course. Families planning overseas education should research university entry requirements and prepare their child’s education pathway accordingly.
For example, a student planning to study film in the US may find IGCSE useful due to its international recognition. However, it can also be used for further studies locally.
⚖️IGCSE vs A Level: What Is the Difference?
Although both qualifications are internationally recognised, IGCSE vs A Level represents two different stages of education.
| IGCSE | A Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Education Level | Secondary education | Pre-university |
| Typical Age | 14 - 16 years old | 16 - 18 years old |
| Number of Subjects | Usually several subjects across different areas | Usually fewer subjects with deeper specialisation |
| Purpose | Builds broad academic foundations | Prepares students for university-level study |
| Assessment | Subject-based exams | Advanced subject examinations |
Most students complete IGCSE before progressing to A Levels or another pre-university qualification. IGCSE provides the foundation, while A Levels allow students to specialise in subjects related to their intended university course.
📝A Final Note for Parents
Learning the grading structure, grade boundaries and qualification pathways helps parents and students make informed decisions.
By gaining insight into how IGCSE works, families can decide whether this pathway aligns with their child’s academic goals, subject interests and future plans.
With its international recognition and flexible subject structure, IGCSE continues to be a popular pathway for many learners.
References
- Chapman, K., & Loo, T. E. (2019, November 30). How papers are marked. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2011/05/08/how-papers-are-marked/
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment. (2025). Cambridge IGCSE™: A guide to A–G and 9–1 grades* [PDF]. Cambridge International Education. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/412121-igcse-9-1-grading-factsheet.pdf
- Cambridge. (n.d.-f). March 2026 grade threshold tables. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/grade-threshold-tables/march-2026/
- UCLES. (2017). A guide to percentage uniform marks.
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