Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626): syllabus, papers and marking
The theory papers are scenario-based, so a correct fact that does not fit the scenario scores nothing. Each answer is checked for fit to the case and for the exact technical term.
Syllabus for examination in 2025, 2026 and 2027 (2028–2030 syllabus: no significant changes) · March (India only) and June and November series · grades A*–E (A Level), a–e (AS)
Information Technology 9626: where the marks go
Information Technology 9626 is two written and two practical papers. Paper 1 Theory (AS, 70 marks) and Paper 3 Advanced Theory (A Level, 70 marks) are short-answer and structured questions; Papers 2 and 4 are 2 h 30 min practical exams on a computer. The theory papers are set in scenarios, so an answer that is true in general but does not fit the case in the question scores little, and describing how a device works is not the same as giving its benefits in that setting.
We write the theory papers with original scenarios and mark them point by point against the technical term the scheme expects. The practical papers use Cambridge resource files on a centre computer and are not marked here.
Paper structure and what we mark
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Theory | 1 h 45 min | 70 | 50% AS · 25% A Level | Short-answer and structured questions on topics 1–11, all compulsory |
| Paper 2 — Practical | 2 h 30 min | 90 | 50% AS · 25% A Level | Practical tasks on a computer (spreadsheets, modelling, databases, video and audio editing), sat at the centre |
| Paper 3 — Advanced Theory | 1 h 45 min | 70 | 25% A Level | Short-answer and structured questions on topics 12–21, all compulsory |
| Paper 4 — Advanced Practical | 2 h 30 min | 90 | 25% A Level | Practical tasks on a computer (data analysis, graphics, animation, programming for the web), sat at the centre |
Syllabus outline
- Topics 1–11 (AS): data processing and information; hardware and software; monitoring and control; algorithms and flowcharts; eSecurity; the digital divide; expert systems; spreadsheets; modelling; database and file concepts; video and audio editing
- Topics 12–21 (A Level): IT in society; new and emerging technologies; communications technology; project management; system life cycle; data analysis and visualisation; mail merge; graphics creation; animation; programming for the web
- Command words: discuss, analyse and evaluate answers need developed prose, not bullet lists
How each paper is marked here
- Theory answers are marked point by point, with the technical term the scheme wants named beside any generic paraphrase.
- Scenario fit is checked: points that do not apply to the case are shown as not credited.
- Practical Papers 2 and 4 are done on computers at the centre and are not marked here.
Where Information Technology 9626 candidates lose marks
- Brand names — Trade names are ignored, so an answer that leans on one often makes no sense once it is removed; the generic term is needed.
- Describing instead of giving the benefit — A question on the benefits of a given router earns nothing for explaining how routers work.
- General-level answers — Single points that would suit a school ICT course, rather than the more technical terms and applications the syllabus expects.
- Evaluate and discuss answered in bullets — Evaluation needs a reasoned weighing of advantages and disadvantages in the scenario.
- Repeating a point in new words — Each valid point is credited once, and marks available are a guide to how many points are wanted.
Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for 9626
See a real handwritten script marked by eight examiners at admitportfolio.com/examiners.
Questions teachers ask
- Are the practical papers covered?
- No. Papers 2 and 4 are practical exams sat on a computer with files from Cambridge.
- Which papers are marked?
- Papers 1 and 3, question by question.
- When does it open?
- After the rubric test; ask to be told.
- Is this official Cambridge marking?
- No. Cambridge International Education marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for 9626. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
- Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
- No. Every 9626 paper here is original and written to the syllabus for examination in 2025, 2026 and 2027 (2028–2030 syllabus: no significant changes), in the same structure as the real papers shown above.
- Which papers are marked?
- None yet are marked question by question. Practical exams sat at the centre are not marked here.
- How is the next paper chosen?
- From the marks a student lost: the concepts behind them are ranked by marks dropped, and the new paper weights those topics. It is the same syllabus and structure, with new questions.
- When are the exams?
- March (India only) and June and November series. Grades A*–E (A Level), a–e (AS).
Other Cambridge AS & A Level courses
- Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Mathematics (9709)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Biology (9700)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Further Mathematics (9231)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Economics (9708)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Business (9609)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Computer Science (9618)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English Language (9093)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Accounting (9706)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Law (9084)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Sociology (9699)
- Cambridge AS & A Level History (9489)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Literature in English (9695)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Islamic Studies (9488)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Geography (9696)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Thinking Skills (9694)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English General Paper (8021)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Environmental Management (8291)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Travel & Tourism (9395)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Urdu Language & Literature (9866)
Start marking Information Technology scripts · See a real marked script