Appealing IGCSE Chemistry Results (EAR Process)

When IGCSE Chemistry results arrive and the grade is lower than expected, students and parents naturally ask whether the paper was marked fairly. Cambridge provides a formal process for this: Enquiries About Results, commonly known as EAR. This guide explains what the process involves, when it is worth pursuing, and what to expect.

What EAR is and is not

EAR is a quality assurance process. It checks whether the mark scheme was applied correctly to your answers. It is not a re-assessment, a chance to argue your case, or an opportunity for a more sympathetic examiner to look at your paper.

The re-mark is conducted by a senior examiner using the same mark scheme. They check every mark: was each mark point correctly identified or missed? Were any acceptable alternatives overlooked? Were any calculations marked with the wrong error-carried-forward logic?

If the re-mark finds that marks were incorrectly awarded (or incorrectly withheld), your total mark and potentially your grade will change. The grade can go up or down — re-marks occasionally find that marks were incorrectly given as well as incorrectly withheld.

The three EAR services

Cambridge offers different levels of enquiry. The exact service names and fees may vary by session, but they generally fall into these categories:

Service 1: Clerical re-check

The lowest level. Cambridge checks that all parts of the paper were marked, that the marks were totalled correctly, and that the total was transferred correctly to the grade system. This catches administrative errors (a page that was accidentally skipped, an addition mistake) but does not re-evaluate any answers.

When to use it: If your result seems drastically lower than expected, a clerical error is possible, though rare. This is the cheapest and fastest option.

Service 2: Re-mark

The main service. A senior examiner re-marks your entire paper (or specific components). This is the service that can change marks based on how the mark scheme was applied.

When to use it: If you believe specific answers deserved marks that were not awarded. This is the most commonly requested service.

Service 3: Access to scripts

You request a copy of your marked paper. This lets you see your answers and the marks awarded before deciding whether to request a re-mark. This is useful if you are unsure whether a re-mark is worth the fee.

When to use it: As a first step before committing to a re-mark. Review the paper yourself or with a teacher to identify any answers that appear to be marked incorrectly.

How to apply

You cannot apply for EAR directly as a student. The application must go through your school (or your exam centre if you are a private candidate). The process:

1. Speak to your school’s exams officer immediately after results are released.
2. Ask for the deadline — EAR applications have a strict deadline, typically a few weeks after results day.
3. Discuss with your chemistry teacher whether a re-mark is advisable. If your teacher reviewed your answers and believes marks were missed, this strengthens the case.
4. The school submits the application and pays the fee on your behalf.
5. Results are returned within a few weeks (timelines vary by service and session).

When EAR is worth considering

You were close to a grade boundary

If you were one or two marks below the next grade boundary, a re-mark that finds even one additional mark could change your grade. Check the grade boundaries for your session and paper to see how close you were.

Your result does not match your consistent performance

If you scored A or A* on every practice paper and mock exam but received a C on the real exam, a re-mark is reasonable. Consistent prior performance suggests your ability exceeds the awarded grade.

Your teacher identifies likely marking errors

If your teacher has seen your script (via Service 3) and identifies specific answers where the mark scheme appears to have been applied incorrectly, a re-mark is strongly worth pursuing.

When EAR is probably not worth it

You were far from the grade boundary

If you needed 15 additional marks to reach the next grade, a re-mark is very unlikely to find that many errors. Re-marks typically change totals by 0-3 marks.

You are dissatisfied with the grade boundary itself

EAR checks the marking of your paper. It does not change the grade boundaries. If you feel the boundaries were too high, that is a separate issue and EAR will not address it.

You want a second opinion on subjective answers

0620 Chemistry is not highly subjective. Mark schemes are precise, and most answers are clearly right or wrong. Unlike subjects with essay-based assessment, there is limited room for examiner judgment. A re-mark usually confirms the original marks.

What happens if the grade changes

If the re-mark results in a higher or lower grade:

• Cambridge issues a revised result to your school.
• Your certificate will show the revised grade.
• Any university or further education applications can be updated with the new grade.
• The EAR fee is typically refunded.

If the grade stays the same:

• Your original result stands.
• The fee is not refunded.
• You receive confirmation that the marking was correct.

Alternatives to EAR

If EAR does not change your grade and you still need a higher result, the option is to retake the exam. IGCSE Chemistry can be retaken in a subsequent session (Oct/Nov or May/Jun). Many Malaysian students retake in the next available session if the grade is needed for university entry requirements or A-Level prerequisites.

For private candidates in Malaysia, retaking is straightforward through a registered exam centre. See the private candidate guide for details.

Timeline awareness

The EAR deadline is tight. Do not wait weeks to decide. If there is any possibility you want a re-mark, contact your exams officer within the first few days of results release. Request access to your script (Service 3) immediately if available, so you can make an informed decision before the re-mark deadline passes.