REVISION GUIDE · AS AND A LEVEL 9618
A Level Computer Science revision checklist
Every unit of Cambridge AS and A Level 9618, as an interactive checklist you can filter by paper.
This checklist covers every unit of Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science (9618). Tick a point only when you can explain it, or apply it to an exam question, without notes. Use the filter buttons to focus on one paper at a time. Your ticks are saved on this device.
The four papers at a glance
| Paper | Time and marks | Content | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Theory Fundamentals | 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks | Units 1 to 8. Written paper. | 50% of AS, 25% of A Level |
| 2. Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills | 2 hours, 75 marks | Units 9 to 12. Answers in pseudocode. | 50% of AS, 25% of A Level |
| 3. Advanced Theory | 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks | Units 13 to 20. Written paper. | 25% of A Level |
| 4. Practical | 2 hours 30 minutes, 75 marks | Units 19 and 20 (except low-level and declarative programming). On a computer, in Java, Visual Basic or Python. | 25% of A Level |
The checklist
How to use the checklist
- Do a first pass now. Tick only what you are sure about. The unticked points are your revision list.
- Revise one unit at a time using its notes, then answer its practice questions and topic test before ticking more points.
- Balance theory and programming. Paper 2 and Paper 4 reward regular practice more than last-minute reading, so write code every week.
- Use timed past-paper questions in the final weeks, then come back and untick anything you got wrong.
Paper-by-paper tips
- Paper 1: learn precise definitions and comparisons (RAM versus ROM, LAN versus WAN, compiler versus interpreter) and practise conversions by hand.
- Paper 2: write clear Cambridge pseudocode with correct keywords, and practise trace tables. See How to answer trace table questions.
- Paper 3: practise floating point, Karnaugh maps, RPN and Dijkstra step by step, showing all working.
- Paper 4: practise in your chosen language offline, test as you go, and save your evidence carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Which papers do I take for AS Level and A Level Computer Science 9618?
AS Level students take Papers 1 and 2. A Level students take all four papers: Papers 1 and 2 plus Paper 3 (Advanced Theory) and Paper 4 (Practical).
Which programming languages can I use in 9618 Paper 4?
Paper 4 is taken on a computer without internet access, and you must use Java, Visual Basic or Python in console mode. Paper 2 answers are written in pseudocode.
Can I use a calculator in A Level Computer Science?
No. Calculators must not be used in any 9618 paper, so practise binary, hexadecimal and floating-point calculations by hand.
Stuck on Paper 4 or a tricky unit?
Book a free 30-minute online lesson and get a personal plan for your weakest topics. Book a free demo →