International GCSEs History (2017)

We are the first exam board to offer onscreen exams. Technology is advancing, learning is evolving, and so is assessment, with students across the world able to take onscreen exams for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) History qualifications from May 2024. 

We believe in creating assessments that encourage progress, enable access and inclusion, and enrich learning. And together with the education community, we’re focused on choosing where and how we best use technology to positively impact assessments and the lives of learners. Onscreen exams are available for both modular and linear routes. 

For International GCSE (9-1) History we offer a choice of linear or modular assessment. The linear route is where exams are taken at the end of the programme of study. The modular route breaks the journey into units with an exam at the end of each unit. Whichever route you choose, the exams take the same amount of time, teachers spend the same amount of time teaching, and everyone has the best chance of success at international GCSE. Pearson Edexcel are the only awarding organisation to offer a modular approach for International GCSE and International AS/A Level. 

*The modular assessment route is only available to schools outside of the UK (United Kingdom)

Our subject advisors are on hand to help with any subject-specific queries you may have and are available to support your educators throughout the year. They provide fast, reliable help and aim to answer all emailed questions within 48 hours and resolve 90% of issues phoned in on the first call.

Email TeachingHistory@pearson.com or call +44 (0) 344 463 2535.

We’ve ensured that our topic choices are diverse and international, covering a broad geographical spread, with some brand new topics for those looking to teach something new. 

Learners develop an understanding of the global diversity of different perspectives, beliefs and events, crucial to solving some of the world’s biggest problems, and for career success in the global workforce. 

We recently reviewed our GCSE History specification to identify opportunities for more inclusive histories. As a result, we have updated some of the language in our specification to remove problematic terms. The changes came into effect for first teaching September 2023, first assessment Summer 2025. 

With no compulsory topics and no forbidden combinations, teachers can choose areas of study that they’ll enjoy teaching and that will engage their students. 

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) History is designed to offer a broad equivalent standard to Pearson’s regulated Edexcel GCSE qualifications. This ensures that Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs (9–1) are recognised globally and provide learners with the same progression routes as GCSEs. 

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History enables successful progression to  UK A Level, International A Level, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, International Baccalaureate and beyond. Through our worldclass qualification development process, we have consulted with International Advanced Level and A Level teachers, as well as university professors, to validate the appropriateness of this qualification including the content, skills and assessment structure.