AS vs A Level: What's the Difference and Does AS Count?
Key takeaways
- AS Level is the first half of an A Level course, usually taken after one year of study.
- For Cambridge International and Edexcel International A Level (IAL), AS counts for 50% of the full A Level.
- For the reformed UK A Levels (AQA, OCR and Edexcel UK), AS is a separate qualification and does not count towards the A Level grade.
- There is no A* at AS Level; A* is only available for the full A Level.
- UCAS gives 20 points for an AS grade A and 56 points for an A Level A*.
AS and A Level are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing, and how much AS "counts" depends on the exam board. This guide explains the difference for Cambridge, Edexcel International and the UK boards, so you can plan the right route.
What is the difference between AS and A Level?
An A Level is a two-year course. The AS Level is the first half of that course, usually studied in the first year (Year 12 or AS year). The second year is often called A2. Content at A2 is harder and builds on AS.
| AS Level | A Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 1 year | About 2 years |
| Grades | A to E | A* to E |
| UCAS points (grade A) | 20 | 48 (A* = 56) |
| Counts towards A Level? | Cambridge and Edexcel IAL: yes, 50%. UK boards: no | Full qualification |
How AS works with each exam board
Cambridge International AS and A Level
Cambridge AS is the first half of the A Level and makes up 50% of the final A Level. Students can follow three routes: take AS only; take AS in one exam series and complete the A Level later (staged); or sit all papers at the end of the course (linear).
Pearson Edexcel International A Level (IAL)
Edexcel IAL is modular. Each subject is split into units, and the AS units make up 50% of the A Level. Units can be sat in January, May/June or October and resat to improve the overall grade. In Maths, for example, AS is Pure 1, Pure 2 and one applied unit, and the full A Level adds Pure 3, Pure 4 and a second applied unit.
UK A Levels (AQA, OCR, Edexcel UK)
Since the reforms in England, AS is a separate qualification. AS marks do not count towards the A Level, and A Level grades depend entirely on exams at the end of the two years.
Is AS Level easier than A Level?
AS content is less demanding than A2, but the jump from IGCSE or O Level to AS is the biggest step in a student's school career. Maths, Physics and Chemistry in particular move much faster. Students who start AS without strong algebra or mole calculations often struggle in the first term.
When should a student take AS?
- Staged route (AS first): best for most students. It spreads the work, gives an early result and leaves time to resit.
- Linear route (all at the end): suits students who need more time to mature in a subject, but everything rides on one exam series.
- AS only: useful for a fourth subject or a subject a student wants to drop after one year.
How Heights tutors help with AS and A Level
Our A Level tutors start with the hardest AS units, then move to full timed papers and mark-scheme language. See our A Level tutors, A Level Maths, A Level Physics and Edexcel IAL tutors.
Questions parents and students ask
Is AS Level half of an A Level?
For Cambridge International and Edexcel IAL, yes: AS makes up 50% of the full A Level. For reformed UK A Levels (AQA, OCR, Edexcel UK), AS is a separate, smaller qualification and does not count towards the A Level.
Can you get an A* at AS Level?
No. AS Levels are graded A to E (Cambridge reports them as a to e). The A* grade is only awarded for a full A Level.
Is it better to take AS separately or all at the end?
Taking AS at the end of the first year (the staged route) spreads the workload and gives an early result. Taking everything at the end (the linear route) gives more time to mature. Most of our students do better with the staged route in Maths and the sciences.
Do universities look at AS results?
Many universities use AS results and predicted grades when making offers, especially in Pakistan and the UK. A strong AS result makes predicted grades more credible.
Sources and references
- Cambridge International: Cambridge International AS and A Levels
- Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels
- UCAS Tariff points tables
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