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Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417)

IGCSE ICT, theory and practicals.

Paper 1 tests what you know about ICT in everyday life. Papers 2 and 3 test what you can do with the software. Your tutor helps with both, from networks to VLOOKUP and CSS.

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Explain why a web page should use a relative file path, not an absolute file path, to link to an image saved with it.[2 marks]

This is worth 2 marks. They go for:

  • An absolute file path points to one fixed location, such as a folder on the author’s own computer (1 mark)
  • When the site is moved or uploaded, that location doesn’t exist, so the image won’t load; a relative path works from wherever the page is (1 mark)

Examiner tip: Say what goes wrong and why. “Relative paths are better” on its own earns nothing.

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Assessment

How Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology is assessed

There are no tiers. Everyone takes all three papers and can get grades A*–G.

Syllabus 0417, for exams in 2026–2028. The 2029 syllabus has no significant changes.

All students

  • Paper 1: Theory

    Multiple-choice, short-answer and structured questions, each set in an everyday ICT context

    Time
    1 h 30 min
    Marks
    80
    Weight
    40%

  • Paper 2: Document Production, Databases and Presentations

    Practical test on a computer, using source files you’re given

    Time
    2 h 15 min
    Marks
    70
    Weight
    30%

  • Paper 3: Spreadsheets and Website Authoring

    Practical test on a computer, using source files you’re given

    Time
    2 h 15 min
    Marks
    70
    Weight
    30%

Papers 2 and 3 are practical tests taken on a computer with no internet or email. You save screenshots in an Evidence Document and print your work. There is no coursework.

From the official Cambridge International syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the Cambridge IGCSE ICT syllabus

Theory

  • Types and components of computer systems
  • Input and output devices
  • Storage devices and media
  • Networks and the effects of using them
  • The effects of using IT
  • ICT applications
  • The systems life cycle
  • Safety and security
  • Audience
  • Communication

Practical

  • File management
  • Images
  • Layout
  • Styles
  • Proofing
  • Graphs and charts
  • Document production
  • Databases
  • Presentations
  • Spreadsheets
  • Website authoring

Where marks are lost

Common Cambridge IGCSE ICT mistakes

  • Naming software brands in Paper 1.

    No marks are given for brand names of software or hardware. Write “spreadsheet software” or “a web browser” instead.

  • Forgetting the absolute reference.

    When you replicate a formula that uses one fixed cell, such as a tax rate, make it absolute ($B$1) or use a named range. Check a few copied cells.

  • Missing evidence in the practicals.

    Work through the steps in order and add a screenshot to your Evidence Document whenever the task asks. Work the examiner can’t see can’t earn marks.

Six computer science tutors, six ways to learn

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See how each one teaches How the AI tutor works
  • AidenConcept explainer
  • MaxStep by step
  • NadiaExam coach
  • BenQuick revision
  • SanaChallenger
  • IrisConfidence builder

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FAQ

Cambridge IGCSE ICT questions, answered.

Yes. Your tutor can set spreadsheet, database and web authoring tasks like the ones in Papers 2 and 3, and check your formulas, queries or HTML and CSS when you paste them in.

The syllabus lists them, including sum, average, maximum, minimum, rounding and counting functions, IF, LOOKUP, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP and XLOOKUP, plus nested functions. Ask your tutor to drill the ones you find hardest.

No. ICT is about using software and how ICT is used in everyday life, with two practical papers. Computer Science 0478 is about how computers work and programming.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

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More Cambridge IGCSE subjects

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