International GCSEs (IGCSEs) are acceptable within SASE frameworks and should be treated in the same way as GCSEs.  Please note that IGCSE English as a Second Language is NOT acceptable.

How can an IGCSE be identified?

There are a range of IGCSEs available, which can be studied in over 100 countries worldwide. Whilst most achievement evidence will explicitly refer to the qualification as an IGCSE there are examples where this is not the case. A list of qualifications that are IGCSEs but do not include this specific description in their title can be found here: IGCSE List

The following IGCSEs can be used as acceptable achievement for the mandatory English and Maths requirements of current SASE frameworks and evidence of their achievement can be submitted on ACE:

• • • Edexcel/Pearson Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in English Language 
    • Edexcel/Pearson Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics
    • Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics
    • Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in First Language English
    • AQA Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in English Language
    • WJEC Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in English Language

Examples of Acceptable Evidence

This section has examples of the types of ACCEPTABLE IGCSE qualifications that can be submitted to show full achievement of an IGCSE however, we are aware that the list of examples is not exhaustive. For clarification of the specific type and format of evidence that can be accepted for the individual Awarding Organisation please see their dedicated page within the appropriate section of this guidance.

If you have an example of achievement of an IGCSE, that is not currently included in our guidance, and you are unsure of its acceptability then please send it to us for review and clarification.  All evidence examples are to be sent to the ACE Helpdesk – ace.helpdesk@fisss.org

We are aware that there are a number of IGCSEs that are achieved in other countries and these are often delivered in conjunction with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and, where this is the case, the CIE logo will appear somewhere on the achievement certificate.

We have included some examples of IGCSE certificates from other nations that are acceptable. If you receive an IGCSE certificate from another nation, that you are at all unsure about, then please bring this to our attention.

What formats of evidence are acceptable?

Any evidence that is uploaded to ACE must be good quality with all of the required data present, complete and clearly visible. The following commonly used file formats are all acceptable and are ones that we guarantee can be opened by Certification Bodies:- PDF, JPEG, DOC, TIF, PNG, ZIP.

Other formats can be uploaded to ACE but there could be an issue for Certification Bodies in opening evidence that is in an unusual file format. Please note there is a 3MB file size limit and it may be necessary for files to be compressed prior to being uploaded to ACE.

Any single file that is to be used as evidence for more than one Apprenticeship component should have the correct tick boxes selected when the file is uploaded. This will ensure that a copy will be accessible from each of the selected component placeholders on the ACE Evidence Tab.

NB: For any evidence that contains the achievement details of more than one qualification (e.g. a learner’s PLR), can you please clearly indicate which specific entry, or entries, are being submitted as learner achievement evidence.

Created 01.12.15
Updated 09.02.16
Updated 10.05.17