Cambridge IGCSEs and International Advanced Level Examinations

Cambridge IGCSE and International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level written examinations are held twice a year:

• May/June 2026 Examination Series: Registration is open. The registration deadline is 13 February 2026 17:00 Japan Time. Late fees will apply after this deadline.
• October/November 2026 Examination Series: Registration will be open in June 2026. Further information will be available when registration is open.

Course Options and Price List (PDF 131KB)

*Price quoted includes local fee covering British Council cost and board fee for Cambridge.

• Examination Fees vary depending on subjects.
• Further details on available subjects and components can be found from our online registration system.

Registration Procedures

Once you have decided what subject you would like to take, please follow our Easy Step Exam Registration Guide and complete the following steps well before the registration deadline:

1. Please complete online registration and payment through our School Registration System (SRS). Please click here to start your registration. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and G pay. 
2. After you have made the online payment, please submit a scan of the candidate’s valid passport photo page by email. 
3. Receive and confirm candidate details on examinations board’s Statement of Entry.
4. Receive final confirmation email from our centre.

Carry Forward

Some Cambridge International A Level syllabuses allow candidates to carry forward marks from a previous examination series to a future examination series to complete a Cambridge International A Level using staged assessment or to try and improve the grade the candidate achieved in the previous examination series.

All marks must be carried forward within 13 months from the first time the candidate took the AS Level components. Candidates will need to provide their previous Statement of Results, accurate centre number and candidate number by email for eligibility check. Once your eligibility to carry forward is confirmed, the subject code will be open for registration. 

Timetable Clash

Within the same examination series, various types of timetable clashes may occur.

For clashes between multiple Cambridge examinations registered at our centre, we will make the necessary re-arrangements. Candidates should refer to their Confirmation Letter for the finalised timetable. Where two examinations clash, one of them will be rescheduled to a different time on the same day. Candidates must remain under full centre supervision during the break between the two examinations. During this period, candidates are not permitted to use mobile phones or any other electronic devices, nor to communicate with other candidates.

We are unable to make any arrangements for timetable clashes between Cambridge examinations registered at our centre and other examinations (e.g. Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing). Candidates must ensure that no timetable clashes occur before submitting their examination registrations.

Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are pre-examination arrangements that minimise access barriers for candidates with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries/illnesses. Used appropriately, access arrangements can enable candidates with specific needs to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding, without changing the demands of the assessment.

Candidate that requires access arrangements must submit medical certificate with assessment results (written in English) issued within the last four years by email together with the above-listed registration documents before the relevant registration deadlines. 

Registering with Different Centres

Within the same examination series, candidates may register to sit different subjects at different centres but may not register to sit the same subject at more than one centre. Please also be aware that registering for examinations at multiple centres within the same series can lead to issues such as timetable clashes that cannot be resolved, increased travel-related stress, and a greater risk of missing examinations. For these reasons, it is strongly recommended that all examinations are taken at a single test centre.

Exam Tips, Tools and Support

Exams put extra pressure on even the calmest of students. But, with a little preparation and a well-planned revision timetable, you can achieve the grades you deserve.

The British Council has a range of useful tools and resources for you, whether you’re a student or teacher. And we can help you with the following simple tips:

Two months before your exams

Now is the time to think seriously about your revision timetable. You should:

• check the most up-to-date syllabus for every subject
• find out about the exam (for example, are questions multiple choice or essay-based?)
• prepare a revision timetable

Some revision tips

Try to schedule revision for your most productive times during the day. For example, if you feel fresh and alert in the morning, make sure you do most of your studying early. You should also try to:

• prioritise exams that make up a large percentage of a subject’s grade
• take regular breaks to refresh your mind
• use a variety of study tools to revise – including books, audio guides and online video summaries
• highlight important points in your study notes
• ask family and friends to quiz you on each subject
• sit past papers, available on the Cambridge website resource centre page, so you get a feel for the questions and timings
• make time for relaxation with family and friends

A month before your exams

Private candidates receive their Statement of Entry at the registration stage. Your Statement of Entry will tell you exactly when your exams are being held so you can make appropriate travel arrangements. You must remember to bring this document with you on exam day.

For more information on what to bring and to view your exam timetables, see Your Exam Day.

In the meantime, continue with your own revision timetable – but remember to schedule breaks so you don’t get too tired.

Exam quick tips – on the day

So, you have revised and prepared for the big day. Don’t worry if you feel a little nervous – that’s only natural. Follow a few simpler tips to stay relaxed and get the best possible exam results. Try to:

• stay calm and take deep, even breaths
• read the exam paper completely before you start
• plan your time
• move on to the next question if you get stuck 
• read the questions carefully and make sure you answer each one properly
• sip fresh water throughout the exam
• check each answer, particularly if you finish early

For essay questions, remember to structure your answers with a beginning, middle and end. The beginning introduces the essay, the middle explores the topic in more detail and should make up around 75 per cent of the overall word count, and the end concludes or summarises your essay.

The British Council has been administering school examinations globally for more than 75 years. We will make sure that everything runs smoothly on the day, so that you can concentrate on doing your best. 

There are some important forms and materials that you will need to bring on the examination day. You can find all of this information below.  

Examination Venue

Examinations are held at the British Council, Tokyo (access map: https://www.britishcouncil.jp/en/about/japan/access). Kindly note that the venue cannot be changed. 

Examination Timetables

A Statement of Entry is a document that confirms your examination registration. It lists your chosen subjects and the scheduled examination dates, the AM / PM session for each module, as well as your name, date of birth and candidate number. 

Statements of Entry are emailed to private candidates during the registration process. Please refer to your Statement of Entry to check your examination dates and session times.

Important announcement:

1. Cambridge ‘AM’ examinations start at 10:00am Japan Standard Time. 
2. Cambridge ‘PM’ examinations start at 2:00pm Japan Standard Time. 
3. Candidate must arrive 30 minutes prior to the examination starts to facilitate baggage deposit and registration
4. Candidate to be seated 15 minutes before examination starts.
5. British Council Japan follows Cambridge Keys Time hence, candidate who arrive after examination board key time will not be permitted to seat for the examination. Attendance will be mark as ‘Absent’.

What to Bring on Exam Day

You can avoid any stress or delays on your exam day by bringing all the correct forms and equipment.

Please note the following:

1. Candidate’s valid original passport is required for ID check purposes. Digital / photocopied passport is strictly not accepted.
2. Candidate must bring your own stationery (2B pencil, black & blue ink pen). All stationery must be kept in a transparent case.
3. Approved type of scientific calculator (where permitted). Cambridge's calculator rules can be found here. 
4. Any additional materials required for your subject, such as geometrical instruments, a ruler, protractor, or compasses.
5. Candidate can also bring drinking water in a clear, label-free bottle into the exam room. 
6. The above listed items will be inspected before and during the examinations.
7. Do not bring valuable items. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal belongings.

Cambridge’s Notice to Candidates

Warning: know these rules before you take your examinations.

You must: 

• be on time for all exams and any periods of Full Centre Supervision 
• follow the invigilator's instructions 
• leave all used and unused exam materials in the exam room. 

You must not: 

• have any unauthorised materials with you 
• communicate with, try to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once you have entered the exam room 
•  be involved in any unfair or dishonest practice before, during, or after the exam. 

If you are not sure, speak to an invigilator. 

If you break any of the rules you could be DISQUALIFIED.

Safeguarding Candidates Under 18

On the examination day, parents, legal guardians, or other authorised persons listed on the registration system must present a valid original government-issued photo ID for verification by invigilator when collecting the candidate after the examination. 

Any changes to the nominated person or pick-up arrangements must be communicated to us by email in advance.

Special Consideration

Candidates who are disadvantaged or affected on the day of the examination due to unexpected circumstances may be eligible to apply for special consideration. Examples include temporary illness or injury.

Results and Certificates

May/June Examination Series

• Cambridge International AS & A Level and IGCSE provisional results will be released in mid-August.
• Certificates will arrive at our centre in late October. Your Final Certificate of Results will be posted to your registered address together with your hard copy Statement of Provisional Results.

October/November Examination Series

• Cambridge International AS & A Level and IGCSE provisional results will be released in mid-January of the following year.
• Certificate will arrive at our centre in late March. Your Final Certificate of Results will be posted to your registered address together with your hard copy Statement of Provisional Results.

Viewing Results Online

Your login details will be sent to you via email one week prior to the Cambridge’s results release date. This is the link for the Cambridge candidate results website: https://myresults.cie.org.uk.

Understanding Cambridge Results

Further information about understanding your results can be found here: Exam Results Information.

Please note that the marks that you will see on the online results portal are percentage uniform marks. The percentage uniform mark shows you whether you are in the middle of a grade, or near either the top or the bottom. It does not affect the grade you receive, but gives you more information about it. It will appear on your Statement of Results but not on your Final Certificate of Results.

You may request your Component Marks by email. 

About the Marking Process

Your examination papers are assessed by specialist examiners who follow a strict marking scheme. Principal Examiners oversee the process to ensure grades are awarded fairly.

Borderline grades are also re-marked as part of the quality assurance process to ensure fairness.

If you still believe your result does not accurately reflect your work, you may request an Enquiry About Results (EAR).

Priority Results Service

Cambridge recognises that many candidates have deadlines for submission of results to educational institutions around the world, which are often very close to our result issue dates. Therefore, candidates can request that a Provisional Statement of Results to be sent to their chosen educational institutions on the day that results are published. Please note that it is not possible to send results earlier than this date.

Candidates must apply directly to Cambridge by completing the Priority Results Information Application Form, which contains further information including costs. Please be aware that the application deadline is typically six weeks prior to the results release date.

For applications to UK universities, all results are sent to UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) in time to meet university requirements. Please ensure that you complete your UCAS registration before the relevant application deadline.

Certificate Dispatch

Your Certificate of Final Results will be sent to the address registered in our system by trackable post, free of charge within Japan. If your address has changed, please contact us immediately and provide your updated address by email. 

If you require your certificate to be sent outside Japan, you will be responsible for the international postage fee, which ranges from JPY 5,000 to JPY 12,000, depending on the destination and shipping zone.

Post-Results Services 

For other post-results services such as third party verification of results or certifying statement of results (an official document from us to show the grades they achieved in a particular exam series), please refer to the information provided here: Exam Results information and apply directly to Cambridge. 

Please note that the British Council in Japan is not authorised to issue or certify copies.

If you were expecting higher marks – or haven’t quite made the grades you need for your chosen university or college place – don’t panic. You may be able to retake your exams or even request re-marking in some cases.

Re-marking (EAR – Enquiries About Results) 

Cambridge private candidates who register for exams directly through the British Council can now apply for Enquiries About Results (EAR) through the British Council’s School Registration System (SRS). This new and easy-to-use feature will enable candidates to make payments instantly when applying for the service through the online system.

Read the EAR guide to find more information

Candidates will be informed of EAR fees for the relevant examination series when receiving the email about viewing their results online. Kindly note that our centre is only able to raise your EAR with Cambridge after we confirm receipt of your EAR fees. 

After our centre submits your EAR application to Cambridge, Cambridge will take 30 calendar days to release the outcome letter. Please note that Cambridge does not accept request fo express EAR service. Please note that you can only choose one type of EAR service per syllabus/subject, not per component/paper.

Retake an Examination

If you or your teachers think that you could achieve better grades, you can also choose to re-take your exam. 

What is a Retake?

An examination counts as a retake if you have sat the same syllabus in the past year. 

If a candidate is entered in the October/November series for the same syllabus they had entered in the preceding June series (regardless of the entry options selected in each series), their November entry qualifies as a retake entry. This would include situations where a candidate is sitting AS Level in June and completing their A Level in the following November series.

There is no way to indicate any entry is a retake in the June series as there is no need to do so.

What you need to do

If you are a private candidate, please click here to register for the next exam series when registration is open.

When registering for retakes in the October/November series, please ensure you tick the ‘retake’ box and enter your previous candidate number and previous centre number on the registration system.

You must then send us your previous Statement of Results by email for an eligibility check.

• Candidates will be charged the full exam fee upon registration. If you request a transfer or cancel your examination, your right to a refund will be determined in accordance with the examination board’s regulation.
• Candidates who would like to withdraw within the normal registration period will receive a refund. Administration fee will be waived for a request with a valid reason (medical/national service) with supporting documents (written in English).
• Candidates are not eligible for refund for any inquiry received after the normal registration period. Exemption given to requests with a valid reason (medical/national service) and sufficient evidence or explanation must be given if cancellation is requested. This evidence must be in English. Evidence may include a medical report or accident report (or similar), which should be issued by an authorised body. The report should include both the signature of the doctor or professional and the stamp of the institution. It should also indicate that the situation prohibits the candidate from taking the examination on the scheduled date and time, however, administration fee applies.
• Candidates must inform the Exam Centre of any changes to your identity document before the exam date. Failure to do so will disallow the said candidate from taking the exam and ineligible for a refund or transfer.
• Full terms and conditions can be found from our online registration system.