IGCSE Private Candidate vs School Candidate

The IGCSE is the same qualification whether you sit as a school candidate or a private candidate. The main differences are who enters you, where you sit, and how you register.

School Candidate

• Registered by your school (the school is the exam centre).
• You sit exams at your school.
• Fees paid to the school; timetable and Statement of Entry from the school.
• Coursework and practicals are usually arranged by the school.
• Certificates are issued to the school and then given to you (or sent home).

Private Candidate (External Candidate)

• You (or a parent) register through an external exam centre (e.g. British Council or Pearson centre).
• You sit exams at that centre, not at a school.
• Fees paid directly to the centre; deadlines are your responsibility.
• Coursework: Some subjects have an “alternative to coursework” or “alternative to practical” option for private candidates—check with the centre.
• Certificates are issued to the centre; you collect or receive them from there.

Same at the End

• Grades are the same (A*–G).
• Certificates look the same and are equally recognised by universities and employers.
• Retakes and cash-in work the same way for both.

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