Edexcel International GCSE and IAL History entry codes for Summer 2026

Due to the number of entry options now available, the traditionally assessed linear papers (not onscreen or regional) now have the entry code '4HI1/A'.

In the summer exam series, we run ‘regional variants’ of the International GCSE History papers which have exactly the same assessment model but with different questions. Centres based in specified countries must use the alternative option codes, where applicable, as listed in this manual (for example, 4HI1 R is the entry code for the linear specification).

Pearson requires the following countries to use the alternative option codes: Australia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

The November series does not require R papers. Instead, exams in this series will predominantly be scheduled in the AM slot (GMT) to ensure that centres can run exams at reasonable local times.

It is now possible for students to sit exams ‘onscreen’ for this qualification. Centres choosing the onscreen option select papers marked as ‘C’ in the title. Centres using both regional and onscreen papers select papers marked as ‘CR’. It is possible to sit a mixture of onscreen and traditional papers across Papers 1 and 2 and because there are a mixture of entry options there are several entry codes available (ZA-ZF), as shown in the table.

In 2021/2022 there were special covid measures in place which allowed centres to drop one topic which was in line with the UK GCSE History approach. To enable this we needed special versions of the question papers – A or B – depending on which topic was dropped. Examinations have since returned the normal full specification requirements (see Summer 2023-2024 past papers as an example).

The introduction of the entry code '4HI1/A' for the traditionally assessed linear papers (not onscreen or regional) does not relate to the use of these codes in 2021/2022. The question papers contain all topics and questions as required by the specification and in line with the sample assessment materials.

As with the linear specification, we have additional regional 'R' papers which are 'regional variants' of the modular International GCSE History papers. They have exactly the same assessment model but have different questions.

Pearson requires centres in the following countries to use the alternative regional 'R' option codes: Australia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

The November series does not require R papers. Instead, exams in this series will predominantly be scheduled in the AM slot (GMT) to ensure that centres can run exams at reasonable local times.

As with the linear specification, we also have modular onscreen assessment options available, marked as ‘C’ in the title. 

Centres choosing the onscreen option select papers marked as ‘C’ in the title. Centres using both regional and onscreen papers select papers marked as ‘CR’. It is possible to sit a mixture of onscreen and traditional papers across Papers 1 and 2.

The units candidates must take to be eligible for a cash-in (award) are outlined below. They can be taken in the same exam series, or can be banked under the candidate's UCI if taken in a number of series. No grade can be issued unless the cash-in code is entered:

The units candidates must take to be eligible for a cash-in (award) are outlined below. They can be taken in the same exam series, or can be banked under the candidate's UCI if taken in a number of series. No grade can be issued unless the cash-in code is entered:

From Summer 2026 we are introducing onscreen assessment options, marked as ‘C’ in the title. 

Centres choosing the onscreen option select papers marked as ‘C’ in the title. It is possible to sit a mixture of onscreen and traditional papers across units.