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Assessment
How Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry is assessed
There are no tiers: everyone takes both papers and can get grades 9–1. Paper 1 covers the core content, and Paper 2 covers everything, including the bold statements that go into some topics in more depth.
Specification 4CH1 (Issue 3), first examined in 2019.
All students
Paper 1C
Multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended answers on the core content (not in bold, no “C” reference). Calculator allowed
- Time
- 2 h
- Marks
- 110
- Weight
- 61.1%
Paper 2C
The same question styles on all the content, including the bold “C” statements. Calculator allowed
- Time
- 1 h 15 min
- Marks
- 70
- Weight
- 38.9%
Both papers are taken in the same series, at the end of the course.
There is no coursework or practical exam. Practical investigations appear in italics in the specification, and experimental skills are tested in both written papers.
From the official Pearson Edexcel syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus
Syllabus content
What’s on the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry syllabus
Principles of chemistry
- States of matter
- Elements, compounds and mixtures
- Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- Formulae, equations and calculations
- Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding
- Electrolysis
Inorganic chemistry
- Groups 1 and 7
- Gases in the atmosphere
- Reactivity series and extracting metals
- Acids, alkalis, titrations and salts
- Chemical tests
Physical chemistry
- Energetics
- Rates of reaction
- Reversible reactions and equilibria
Organic chemistry
- Crude oil
- Alkanes and alkenes
- Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters
- Synthetic polymers
Where marks are lost
Common Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry mistakes
Sending positive ions to the anode.
In electrolysis, positive ions move to the negative electrode (the cathode) and gain electrons. That’s reduction.
Saying a catalyst “gives the particles energy”.
A catalyst provides an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. It isn’t used up in the reaction.
Mixing up the alkene test.
Shake with bromine water: an alkene turns it from orange to colourless. An alkane leaves it orange.
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