<P> The IGCSE is an international alternative to many popular national curricula . The IGCSE is a qualification based on individual subjects of study, which means that one receives an "IGCSE" qualification for each subject one takes . For this reason, schools worldwide have different expectations about how many IGCSEs students should take . Typical "core" curricula for IGCSE candidates include a First Language, Second Language, Mathematics and one or more subjects in the Sciences . IGCSE candidates can choose a number of additional courses ranging from Social Sciences to Creative Arts . </P> <P> The IGCSE is predominantly exam - based, meaning they are not actual certified "courses", but rather exams that test knowledge in individual subjects in the same way as Advanced Placement exams and SAT Subject Tests . For this reason, it is also a viable option for many home - schooling educators or in Adult education, when one is seeking a qualification but has no time to attend full - time school classes . </P> <P> Its academic worth is comparable to many secondary school curricula worldwide, such as England's GCSE, the North American GED or high school diploma, Hong Kong's HKCEE, Singapore's O - Level, and the Indian CBSE or ICSE courses . The IGCSE prepares students for further academic study, including progression to A Level and BTEC Level 3 study, Cambridge Pre-U, IB Diploma Programme and other equivalents . It is recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world and is considered by many institutions as equivalent to the standard GCSE . </P> <P> Cambridge IGCSE provides a broad study program that covers subjects from a variety of areas: Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational . Most IGCSE subjects offer a choice of tiered examinations: Core or Extended papers (in Cambridge), and Foundation or Higher papers (in Edexcel). This is designed to make IGCSE suitable for students with varying levels of ability . In some subjects, IGCSE can be taken with or without coursework . Cambridge IGCSE allows teaching to be placed in a localized context, making it relevant in different regions . It is intended to be suitable for students whose first language may not be English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process . </P>

What is the difference between igcse and a level
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