The O-Level (Ordinary Level) is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education. It began in the United Kingdom and has been adopted, often with modifications, in several other countries.
The AO-Level (Alternative Ordinary Level) was formerly available in most subject areas. Sometimes incorrectly known as the Advanced Ordinary Level, the AO-Level syllabus and examination both assumed a higher degree of maturity on the part of candidates, and employed teaching methods more commonly associated with A-Level study. The AO Level was discontinued, with final qualifications awarded in 1988.[1]
The O-Level qualification is still awarded by CIE Cambridge International Examinations, the international counterpart of the British examination Board OCR (Oxford, Cambridge & Royal Society of Arts),[2] in select locations, instead of or alongside the International General Certificate of Secondary Education qualifications. Both CIE and OCR have Cambridge Assessment as their parent organisation.[2] The Cambridge O-Level has already been phased out and is no longer available in certain administrative regions.[3]
There are some differences between O levels and IGCSE. The lowest achievable grade in O levels is E whereas in IGCSE G is the lowest. O levels curriculum have lesser coursework options than IGCSE [4]
Current usage
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the International GCSE (IGCSE) qualification is offered, which is colloquially known as O-Levels, with examinations conducted by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel both under the board of British Council. Both Pearson Edexcel and CAIE offer International GCSE qualifications. O-Level qualification has become a replacement for the matriculation qualification (SSC) offered by the Government boards of education. However, due to the high costs associated with IGCSE qualifications, their reach is limited to middle to elite class families.
A number of subjects: English Language, English Literature, Bahasa Melayu (Malay language), Malay Literature, Islamic Religious Knowledge, Ulum al-Quran, Hafaz al-Quran, Tafsir al-Quran (Asas), History, Geography, Pure sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), Arabic, Art and Design offer exam papers and syllabuses unique to Brunei. Additionally, the Mathematics (Syllabus D) subject previously offered an exam paper and a syllabus unique to Brunei, but this has since been retired and the regular syllabus used worldwide is offered. This is equivalent to secondary education now.
India
In India, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Ordinary-Level qualifications are offered at private and international schools as an alternative to the conventional Indian School Certificate (ISC).[5][6]
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the O-Level qualification is offered as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM, Malaysian Education Certificate), with examinations conducted by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate (Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia). The examinations were formerly conducted by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which still advises the national examination board on standards.
The English Language subject was previously offered with an exam paper and a syllabus unique to Malaysia, but this Malaysia-specific qualification has since expired, and the regular English Language exam paper and syllabus used worldwide is now used within the country. The English paper is separately graded by the national examination board and UCLES, and both grades are displayed on the result slip.
A number of subjects, including English Language, English Language (Syllabus B), History, Mathematics (Syllabus A), Mathematics (Syllabus D), offer exam papers and syllabuses unique to Mauritius. Additionally, the subject of Art and Design, the offering of which is restricted to a limited geographic region, is available in Mauritius.
Pakistan
The GCE O-Level qualification is offered in Pakistan by the CIE and conducted by the British Council. Due to the high costs associated with O Level Schooling, it is mostly opted by privileged citizens. Passing criteria of O levels is to have passes in 8 subjects including Maths, English, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat, Urdu and any three optional subjects.[7] Students can also study more than these 3 subjects.
Seychelles
In Seychelles, the O-Level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Seychelles or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Seychelles.
In Singapore, the O-Level qualification is offered jointly by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and the Singapore Ministry of Education. The examinations are mainly conducted by CIE, with select subject examinations conducted by the Singapore Ministry of Education, including select mother tongue subjects, such as Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, and humanities subject of Social Studies.
A number of subjects previously offered exam papers and syllabuses unique to Singapore, but these have since been retired or planned to be phased out. After taking O-levels, some Singapore students go on to GCE Advanced Level exams, which are also marked by Cambridge International Examinations. In 2027, the O levels as well as the N levels will be phased out for a new local examination known as the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC).
The GCE Ordinary-Level qualification is currently administered by the British Council of Sri Lanka Schools (BCS).[8] In the past, this qualification was jointly offered by Cambridge International Examinations and the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka. The examinations in Sri Lanka are taken very seriously and the exam is considered a starting point to a student's higher education. This is why in recent years Sri Lanka has produced high scoring batches holding this qualification.
Zimbabwe
The GCE Ordinary-Level qualification is offered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).[9] Before, this qualification was jointly offered by Cambridge International Examinations and the Ministry of Education in Zimbabwe.
Former usage
Caribbean
The O-Level qualification was previously awarded in the Caribbean. However, many Caribbean countries have now switched to awarding Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) qualifications based on successful completion of examinations administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
Hong Kong
The O-Level qualification was previously awarded in Hong Kong, along with the Hong Kong version of the A-Level qualification. However, this was replaced with the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) which was then replaced with the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). The HKCEE was previously benchmarked against the O Levels for comparable subjects, but with the introduction of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) qualification the Hong Kong equivalent qualification was then benchmarked against the IGCSE.
