Difference Between GCSE and IGCSE

GCSE vs IGCSE

“GCSE” means “General Certificate of Secondary Education” and “IGCSE” means “International General Certificate of Secondary Education.” Though both are general certification for secondary education, one is an internationally recognized qualification.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education which is internationally recognized is similar to the GCSE. The General Certificate of Secondary Education is in vogue in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

It was the University of Cambridge International Examinations that developed the International General Certificate of Secondary Education in 1988. The IGCSE certification is mainly given to students outside Britain who favor the English qualification system. Currently, however, the private schools in the United Kingdom are also offering the IGCSE aimed at better standards for the students.

When comparing the examination and syllabus, the IGCSE is known to be harder than the GCSE. It is hard to get a higher grade in the IGCSE than getting an A or A+ in the GCSE. In comparison to the GCSE, the IGCSE has a challenging curriculum.

IGCSE certification is given based on individual subjects and courses. This means that a student gets IGCSE certification for each subject. So IGCSE certification is not a group certification. The curriculum for IGCSE comprises a first language, second language, sciences, and mathematics. The candidates going for an IGCSE can also choose various additional courses that range from creative arts to social sciences.

GCSE exams were made compulsory in the late 1980s. It replaced the GCE Ordinary Level and the Certification of Secondary Education exams.

When compared to the GCSE, the IGCSE is the largest provider of qualification internationally.

Summary:

1.“GCSE” means “General Certificate of Secondary Education and “IGCSE” means International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
2.It was the University of Cambridge International Examinations that developed the International General Certificate of Secondary Education in 1988. The IGCSE certification is mainly given to students outside Britain who favor the English qualification system.
3.GCSE exams were made compulsory in the late 1980s. It replaced the GCE Ordinary Level and Certification of Secondary Education exams.
4.When comparing the examination and syllabus, the IGCSE is known to be harder than the GCSE. It is hard to get a higher grade in the IGCSE than getting an A or A+ in the GCSE.
5.In comparison to the GCSE, the IGCSE has a challenging curriculum.
6.When compared to the GCSE, the IGCSE is the largest provider of qualification internationally.

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