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Which Physics exam board and course am I taking?
Start with the code on your exam paper or statement of entry. Identify the qualification before choosing revision notes, past papers or a tutoring course.
By Dr Desouky Physics Academy · Independent study guidance, not an exam-board assessment or endorsement.
Find my Physics qualification
Enter one paper or qualification code, such as 0625/42, 4PH1/1P or WPH14/01. You can also choose from the list. The finder identifies the qualification family; it does not validate an exam entry or every paper variant.
IGCSE, AS and A-Level Physics codes explained
The exam board, qualification and assessment route all matter. “Edexcel” alone does not distinguish UK A-Level from International A-Level, and “IGCSE Physics” does not distinguish Cambridge from Pearson Edexcel.
Cambridge IGCSE Physics — 0625
0625
0625 identifies Cambridge IGCSE Physics with the A*–G grading scale. A code such as 0625/42 includes a paper and variant after the slash; it is still the 0625 syllabus.
Confirm Core or Extended, your practical assessment route and exam year with your school. Use the syllabus for the year you sit the examination.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics — 0972
0972
0972 identifies the 9–1 graded Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus. Cambridge describes its content as otherwise the same as 0625. The code confirms the grading route, not your predicted grade.
Check the exact entry with your school, including Core or Extended and the practical assessment route. Availability depends on the centre and administrative zone.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics — linear
4PH1
4PH1 is the linear International GCSE Physics qualification. Codes such as 4PH1/1P and 4PH1/2P identify its papers. It is different from Edexcel UK GCSE Physics and the modular International GCSE route.
Use 4PH1 materials and confirm the exam series with your school. Do not choose a paper only because its title says Edexcel Physics.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics — modular
4XPH1 · 4WPH1 · 4WPH2
4XPH1 is the modular International GCSE Physics cash-in code. Unit 1 is 4WPH1/1P and Unit 2 is 4WPH2/1P. A cash-in aggregates unit results into the qualification; it is not another exam paper.
Confirm which unit you are preparing for and your centre’s entry and cash-in arrangements. The shared IGCSE diagnostic checks selected concepts; it does not predict an individual unit result.
Pearson modular International GCSE Physics specification (PDF) ↗
Pearson Edexcel International AS Physics — XPH11
XPH11 · WPH11 · WPH12 · WPH13
XPH11 is the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) cash-in code. WPH11 is Unit 1, WPH12 is Unit 2 and WPH13 is Unit 3. These units form IAS and also contribute to the full International A-Level.
Use the unit code to choose your practice. WPH13 assesses practical skills; revising only the theory units will leave an important gap.
Pearson Edexcel International A-Level Physics — YPH11
YPH11 · WPH14 · WPH15 · WPH16
YPH11 is the full International Advanced Level cash-in code, covering Units 1–6. WPH14, WPH15 and WPH16 identify Units 4, 5 and 6, commonly called A2. WPH16 assesses practical skills.
If you are starting the course, use the IAS diagnostic first. For A2 study, use the IAL/A2 check and revisit the IAS foundations behind any mistakes.
Pearson Edexcel UK A-Level Physics — 9PH0
9PH0
9PH0 identifies Pearson Edexcel’s UK GCE A-Level Physics. It is not YPH11 International A-Level, even though both are Edexcel qualifications and share some Physics topics.
Use the UK specification and ask your school about its practical endorsement requirements. The Academy’s advertised A-Level courses and board-specific diagnostic paths cover Edexcel International AS/A-Level; they are not a 9PH0 course.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics — 9702
9702
9702 identifies Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics. It is distinct from Cambridge IGCSE 0625/0972 and Edexcel International AS/A-Level. Shared topic names do not make the exam structures interchangeable.
Use Cambridge’s specification for your exam year and confirm practical arrangements with your school. The Academy’s advertised A-Level courses and board-specific diagnostic paths cover Edexcel International AS/A-Level; Cambridge 9702 tutoring is not listed.
Code references checked against the linked awarding-body pages and specifications in September 2026. Use the awarding body’s current specification and your school’s confirmed entry if documents differ.
Four checks before you start revising
- Confirm the qualification code. Use a current statement of entry or your teacher’s confirmation. A textbook cover can describe several qualifications, and an old worksheet may use a previous specification.
- Check the exam year and series. Syllabus dates refer to examinations, not the year you bought the book. Your centre can confirm the correct syllabus and available entry options.
- Identify the paper, unit and route. Cambridge Core/Extended and practical routes, Edexcel linear/modular assessment, and IAS/A2 units affect which practice is useful.
- Match each resource to a specification point. Shared Physics principles transfer between courses, but a familiar topic title does not guarantee identical scope, notation, practical assessment or mark allocation.
Next, take the free Physics diagnostic or read the Cambridge vs Edexcel IGCSE Physics guide. For Edexcel practical units, see the Unit 3 and Unit 6 preparation guide.
Find a class for the correct course
Dr Desouky Physics Academy teaches Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Physics and Edexcel International AS/A-Level Physics. In-person sessions take place in Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi; Dubai, Sharjah and Gulf students can join online. Confirm your board, level and availability when enquiring.
Ask about the right Physics class