# IGCSE Core vs Extended: which tier should you take?

Source: https://tutix.ai/guides/igcse-core-vs-extended  
Updated: 2026-10-21

**The short answer.** Core and Extended are two tiers of the same Cambridge IGCSE subject. In Mathematics, Core can reach grades C to G and Extended A* to E; in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Core reaches C to G and Extended A* to G. Cambridge says Core suits candidates expected to reach grade D or below in Mathematics and Extended those expected to reach C or above. Your school decides the entry, so ask your teacher.

- Core: grades C to G
- Extended: A* to E in Mathematics, A* to G in the sciences
- Extended contains the Core content plus more
- You cannot move between tiers on exam day: the school enters you for one

## What the tiers are

Where a Cambridge IGCSE subject is tiered, Core content targets lower grades and Extended contains the Core content plus more. Each tier has its own papers, so the choice is made when entries are made.

| Subject | Core papers | Core grades | Extended papers | Extended grades |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mathematics (0580) | Papers 1 and 3 (1 h 30, 80 marks each) | C to G | Papers 2 and 4 (2 h, 100 marks each) | A* to E |
| Physics (0625), Chemistry (0620), Biology (0610) | Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 3 (theory), plus a practical paper | C to G | Paper 2 (multiple choice), Paper 4 (theory), plus a practical paper | A* to G |
| Additional Mathematics (0606) | One tier only | A* to E | One tier only | A* to E |

## Who each tier is for

- Core. For candidates Cambridge expects to reach grade D or below in Mathematics. Core caps at grade C.
- Extended. For candidates expected to reach grade C or above, and the route to A* and A.
- In between. A student who might reach a C should talk to their teacher about which tier to enter: Extended opens the higher grades, and Core stops at C.

Where a program has both tracks, Core and Extended are separate offers with their own hours: see them to scale.

## How much less does Core teach?

Core skips the topics only Extended students sit. In the Tutix programs, at the Standard level the Core track takes about 19 percent fewer hours in Mathematics, about 1 percent fewer in Physics and about 1 percent fewer in Biology.

| Program | Core, Standard (h) | Extended, Standard (h) | Core, Full syllabus (h) | Extended, Full syllabus (h) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| IGCSE Mathematics | 17.2 | 21.2 | 36.8 | 44.8 |
| IGCSE Biology | 24.2 | 24.5 | 52.2 | 52.8 |
| IGCSE Physics | 18 | 18.2 | 36.5 | 37 |

> **Not a decision to make alone.** The tier is entered by your school, and your teacher sees your mock results. Use this page to understand the choice, then ask.

Mathematics, Physics and Biology each come with a Core track and an Extended track. Chemistry is one program that teaches the Core and Extended content together. Additional Mathematics has one tier.

## Questions

**What is the difference between IGCSE Core and Extended?**

Core targets lower grades and covers the Core content; Extended contains the Core content plus more and can reach the highest grades. Each tier has its own papers.

**What grades can I get in IGCSE Core?**

Core candidates can reach grades C to G in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

**What grades can I get in IGCSE Extended?**

Extended candidates can reach A* to E in Mathematics and A* to G in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

**Should I take Core or Extended Maths?**

Cambridge says Core is intended for candidates expected to achieve grade D or below and Extended for grade C or above. Ask your teacher, who has seen your mock results.

**Can I switch tiers close to the exam?**

The school enters each candidate for one tier at the entries deadline, so changes are only possible before then and through your school.

## Sources

- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Cambridge IGCSE](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Cambridge IGCSE: grading choice](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/grading-choice/) (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0580, IGCSE Mathematics, 2025-2027](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/662466-2025-2027-syllabus.pdf) (version 3)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0625, IGCSE Physics, 2026-2028](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/697209-2026-2028-syllabus.pdf) (version 2)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0620, IGCSE Chemistry, 2026-2028](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/697205-2026-2028-syllabus.pdf) (version 2)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0610, IGCSE Biology, 2026-2028](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/697203-2026-2028-syllabus.pdf) (version 3)

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