Syllabuses, Guides & Specimen Papers
Every official Cambridge syllabus PDF for O Level 2210, its IGCSE twins 0478, 0984 and (from 2029) 0265, and AS & A Level 9618, plus every update, pseudocode guide and specimen paper with its mark scheme — straight from cambridgeinternational.org. Two O Level editions are published: 2026–2028 for exams to November 2028 (the one this site's topics follow) and 2029–2031, taught from September 2027, which drops pseudocode for Python. Start here: if it isn't in the syllabus, it isn't in the exam.
Cambridge O Level Computer Science
Specimen papers
Cambridge's own model papers for this syllabus — the closest thing to the real exam before any past paper exists. Sit them timed, then mark with the scheme.
What Paper 1 looks like under the 2029 syllabus — cybersecurity principles, IP address formats, cloud storage models and quantum vs classical architecture all appear.
Paper 2 under the 2029 syllabus — no pseudocode: "Use Python 3.10 to write all your programs." Short questions on Python lists, operators, flowcharts, files and a two-table SQL query with INNER JOIN, then a 15-mark scenario split into four Python parts (initialise lists, generate random numbers, count them, bubble sort) marked point by point.
Cambridge published the 2023 Paper 1 specimens under the IGCSE 0478 code — the paper is identical for 2210.
A second full Paper 1 in the current style (0478 code, same paper).
The original 2023 Paper 2 specimen (0478 code, same paper).
The updated Paper 2 specimen Cambridge asks teachers to use — sit this one first.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science
IGCSE 0478 and O Level 2210 share one syllabus and the same two papers — Cambridge publishes it under both codes. Every topic, quiz and example on this site applies to both.
Specimen papers
Cambridge's own model papers for this syllabus — the closest thing to the real exam before any past paper exists. Sit them timed, then mark with the scheme.
What Paper 1 looks like under the 2029 syllabus — cybersecurity principles, IP address formats, cloud storage models and quantum vs classical architecture all appear.
Paper 2 under the 2029 syllabus — no pseudocode: "Use Python 3.10 to write all your programs." Short questions on Python lists, operators, flowcharts, files and a two-table SQL query with INNER JOIN, then a 15-mark scenario split into four Python parts (initialise lists, generate random numbers, count them, bubble sort) marked point by point.
A full Paper 1 in the current style, with its mark scheme.
A second full Paper 1 — do it under timed conditions once you have marked 1A.
The updated Paper 2 specimen Cambridge asks teachers to use — sit this one first.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Computer Science
The IGCSE (9–1) version of 0478: identical content and papers, graded 9–1 instead of A*–G. Everything on this site applies.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (digital)
A new IGCSE code for the 2029–2031 content, first examined in June 2029: both components are digital exams answered on Cambridge's platform, with Python 3.10+ for every programming answer. June and November series only.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science
Specimen papers
Cambridge's own model papers for this syllabus — the closest thing to the real exam before any past paper exists. Sit them timed, then mark with the scheme.
AS Theory Fundamentals — the model every Paper 1 since 2021 has followed.
AS Problem-solving and Programming, with the pre-release-style insert.
A2 Practical — a zip with the paper and its skeleton source files (Python, VB.NET, Java).
Which syllabus is mine?
Cambridge names each syllabus by the years you sit the exam, not the years you study. Look at the year of your final paper and pick the document that covers it. Your school will confirm it.
Why the “update” PDFs matter
Cambridge occasionally corrects or clarifies a syllabus after publishing it. The update document lists exactly what changed — read it once, then annotate your copy of the syllabus.
Use it as a checklist
Every topic page on this site follows the syllabus numbering. Tick off each subtopic as you can explain it without notes — then hit the past papers.
Syllabus documents and specimen papers are © Cambridge University Press & Assessment and are linked directly from cambridgeinternational.org. Links verified September 2026.
