HELP CENTER AND SUPPORT

Cambridge Checkpoint is a diagnostic exam series developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education to assess learners at the end of primary (Stage 6) and lower secondary (Stage 9).

The main Cambridge Checkpoint subjects include:

• English

• Mathematics

• Science
  There are also optional checkpoints for Global Perspectives and ICT.

These exams evaluate student understanding and provide detailed feedback, performance reports, and diagnostic insights, helping schools plan instruction for IGCSE and higher grades.

• Primary Checkpoint: Age 10–11 (end of Stage 6)

• Secondary Checkpoint: Age 13–14 (end of Stage 9)

Exams take place in April and October each year. Some centers may also offer a June session.

No, they are optional diagnostic tests. Schools choose whether to use them to evaluate readiness for the next stage.

Results are reported on a six-point scale (0–6), where:

• 6 = excellent understanding

• 0–1 = developing understanding

Typical components include:

• Multiple-choice questions

• Short-answer questions

• Problem-solving tasks

• Application questions in real-world contexts

Topics include:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics
  Papers include structured questions, explanations, and practical-based scenarios.

Includes components like:

• Reading comprehension

• Writing tasks

• Grammar & vocabulary

• Analysis and extended response questions

Past papers include real exam questions from previous years. They help students practice for Checkpoint exams by improving familiarity with question styles.

Platforms like exam-mate provide:

• Topical past papers

• Yearly exam papers

• Mark schemes

• MCQ practice

• Topic-wise worksheets

• Revision kits and mock exams

Some platforms offer free access, but websites like exam-mate provide structured, categorized, and easy-to-search past papers and topical questions.

These are past paper questions sorted by topics such as:

• Algebra

• Fractions

• Respiration

• Light

• Energy
  Useful for focused revision and improving weak areas.

Best preparation methods include:

• Topic-wise worksheets

• Topical past papers

• Yearly papers

• Mark schemes

• Revision notes

• MCQ quizzes

• Timed mock exams

Mock exams simulate the real Checkpoint test using past papers or new exam-standard questions. They improve confidence and performance.

Checkpoint exams are diagnostic, showing learning progress.
IGCSE exams are formal external qualifications taken at the end of Grade 10/11.

Yes, some exam centres accept private candidates, especially for Checkpoint Secondary.

Checkpoint assessments test:

• Knowledge

• Application

• Problem-solving

• Critical thinking

• Practical reasoning

• Literacy and numeracy skills

Common areas:

• Number

• Algebra

• Geometry

• Measurement

• Probability

• Statistics

• Graphs

• Problem-solving

Includes three strands:

• Biology: Cells, organisms, ecosystems, genetics

• Chemistry: Matter, reactions, acids/bases, materials

• Physics: Energy, forces, electricity, waves

• Reading

• Writing

• Grammar

• Vocabulary

• Literary analysis

• Comprehension skills

Most Checkpoint papers last 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the subject and component.

No, all Checkpoint assessments are written exam papers only.

Yes, especially in Science and Mathematics, although mixed formats are used.

Results are typically available 6–8 weeks after the exam session.

No. They are diagnostic and internal for school progress planning.
IGCSE and A-Level scores matter for university applications.

• Helps identify strengths and weaknesses

• Supports smooth transition to IGCSE

• Provides detailed feedback reports

• Enhances exam confidence

• Aligns teaching with international standards

Reports include:

• Overall score

• Sub-skill performance

• Strengths and weaknesses

• Comparison with global averages

No, new questions are created each session, but topics and difficulty patterns are consistent.

Checkpoint reports help teachers:

• Track class performance

• Design lesson plans

• Identify weak topics

• Tailor instruction for IGCSE preparation

Yes, they must register as a Cambridge International School.

Usually:

• English: 2–3 papers

• Math: 1–2 papers

• Science: 2–3 papers (combined Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Yes, for designated calculator sections. Some papers are non-calculator.

Students continue to Cambridge IGCSE or O-Level courses depending on the school.

Yes, Checkpoint identifies weak areas early, making IGCSE learning smoother and more targeted.

Checkpoint is recognized globally as a strong assessment tool used in 10,000+ schools across 160 countries.

• Practice past papers

• Improve reading habits

• Create a study timetable

• Use MCQ quizzes

• Practice math daily

• Enroll in tuition or revision courses

Teachers can:

• Assign topic-wise questions

• Create mock exams

• Track performance

• Access mark schemes

• Download revision worksheets

They are moderately challenging but designed to be approachable for students transitioning to IGCSE.

Yes, students may retake in upcoming sessions depending on school policies.

English may include writing tasks, but no speaking test is currently offered.

Cambridge is gradually developing digital assessments, although Checkpoint is currently paper-based in most centers.