Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)

Revision Notes by Syllabus Topic

Select a syllabus topic to access structured Cambridge International revision notes, practical links and exam practice as pages are released. Topics 1–22 are AS Level; Topics 23–37 are A Level only.

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Introduction

Cambridge
International
Chemistry

Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) is the Cambridge Assessment International Education qualification taken worldwide, with exam series in June and November (and March for India). The syllabus for 2025 to 2027 is organised into 37 numbered topics: Topics 1 to 22 form the AS Level and Topics 23 to 37 add the A Level content, each divided into physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.

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A Linear Qualification

The full A Level can be taken as a linear qualification with all papers at the end of the course, or staged, with the AS papers taken first and carried forward. It uses syllabus code 9701 and the A*-E grading scale (a-e at AS Level).

Practical Assessment

There is no separate practical endorsement. Practical skills are examined directly: Paper 3 is a timed laboratory practical at AS Level, and Paper 5 assesses planning, analysis and evaluation at A Level.

AS Level Chemistry

Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry can be taken as a standalone qualification (Papers 1, 2 and 3) or as the first half of the A Level, with the AS marks carried forward to the full qualification.

Paper 1 – Multiple Choice (AS)

Paper code: 9701/1
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 marks | 31% of AS Level, 15.5% of A Level

Forty multiple-choice questions on the AS Level subject content, Topics 1 to 22. Questions may test any AS topic, including organic chemistry and practical understanding.

Paper 2 – AS Level Structured Questions

Paper code: 9701/2
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 marks | 31% of AS Level, 15.5% of A Level

Structured questions on the AS Level subject content, Topics 1 to 22. 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks, 46% of AS Level and 23% of A Level. Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills, 40 marks) completes the AS assessment.

Paper 4 – A Level Structured Questions

Paper code: 9701/4
Written examination: 2 hours | 100 marks | 38.5% of A Level

Structured questions on the A Level subject content, Topics 23 to 37, which may also draw on AS content. Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation, 30 marks, 1 hour 15 minutes) completes the A Level assessment.

The Papers – How The AS and A Level Are Assessed

Cambridge International Chemistry is assessed through five papers. Papers 1, 2 and 3 cover the AS Level content, with Paper 3 a practical examination. Papers 4 and 5 cover the A Level content, with Paper 5 assessing planning, analysis and evaluation of experiments.

Cambridge Syllabus Pathway

Cambridge Chemistry is organised into 37 numbered topics, several of which appear twice: once at AS Level and again, extended, at A Level (for example Topic 14 Hydrocarbons and Topic 30 Hydrocarbons). OLS course cards pool related topics so that students can study coherent course units while still seeing the exact syllabus learning outcomes covered.

Physical chemistry – Topics 1–8 and 23–26Atomic structure, stoichiometry, bonding, states of matter, energetics, electrochemistry, equilibria and reaction kinetics.

Inorganic chemistry – Topics 9–12 and 27–28Periodicity, Group 2, Group 17, nitrogen and sulfur, and the chemistry of transition elements.

Organic chemistry – Topics 13–22 and 29–37Introductory organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, halogen compounds, hydroxy compounds, carbonyls, carboxylic acids, nitrogen compounds, polymerisation, synthesis and analytical techniques.

Study Cambridge International Chemistry with OLS

OLS Cambridge courses are built around syllabus topics, with structured revision notes, worked examples, exam-style practice and clear links between practical skills and written exam questions.

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Cambridge International Chemistry online virtual lesson with tutor

Full Qualification

Take the A Level if…

Cambridge International A Level – 9701

You need chemistry for university entry, particularly for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering or related science degrees. The full A Level is recognised by universities worldwide, including all UK universities.

Standalone Award

Take the AS Level if…

Cambridge International AS Level – 9701

You want a recognised one-year chemistry qualification, or you want to stage the A Level by taking the AS papers first. Unlike the UK boards, Cambridge lets AS marks carry forward into the full A Level.

Watch a Chemistry Lesson Preview

See how OLS uses visual explanation, molecular models and specialist teacher commentary to support difficult A Level Chemistry topics.

Official Specification

The official Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 syllabus for 2025 to 2027, covering subject content, assessment, practical skills and mathematical requirements.

Cambridge 9701 Syllabus →

Past Papers & Mark Schemes

The official Cambridge International past papers area, including question papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for 9701 Chemistry.

Cambridge Past Papers →

Chemistry Reference Library

LibreTexts Chemistry is a free, open-access chemistry library covering a wide range of topics at A Level and beyond, useful for deeper reading and alternative explanations of difficult concepts.

LibreTexts Chemistry →

FAQ

The syllabus is organised into 37 numbered topics, each with numbered learning outcomes such as 14.2.4 or 3.4.1(a). Topics 1 to 22 are AS Level and Topics 23 to 37 are A Level. OLS uses these syllabus references directly so students can revise by exact learning outcome.

There are five papers in total. Papers 1, 2 and 3 make up the AS Level (multiple choice, structured questions and a practical exam). Papers 4 and 5 make up the A Level half (structured questions and planning, analysis and evaluation).

Cambridge also numbers its topics, but differently: Topic 14 Hydrocarbons covers alkanes and alkenes at AS Level, while related content such as isomerism sits in Topic 13 and polymers in Topic 20. OLS places each page where the syllabus places the content and links across topics where a course unit draws on several.

Yes, directly. Paper 3 is a timed laboratory practical at AS Level and Paper 5 assesses planning, analysis and evaluation at A Level. Practical understanding is also examined in the written papers.

Yes, if you stage the qualification. Cambridge allows the AS papers (1, 2 and 3) to be taken in one series and carried forward, with Papers 4 and 5 taken later to complete the A Level. The AS can also be taken as a standalone qualification.

Cambridge Chemistry includes substantial mathematical work: at least 20% of the marks require mathematics, covering moles, concentrations, energetics, equilibria, rates, logarithms, graph work and practical-data analysis. Students should be confident rearranging equations and interpreting quantitative data.