RECOGNITION FOR CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMAS
Cambridge International Diplomas were first introduced in 2000 and are now available in more than 80 different countries. The Diplomas are available in a range of business-focused areas to meet different career needs, experience and ability levels.

The Cambridge International Diplomas suite is split into three distinct areas:

			Cambridge ICT A range of ICT qualifications, starting for children as young as four through to an Advanced Level Diploma in Computing.
			Cambridge for Business Includes a qualification covering core business skills and another for office administration.
			Cambridge for Management Diplomas which offer a flexible way to develop a broad range of practical management and project management skills and knowledge*.

*These Diplomas are not available through the British Council.

The schemes are very flexible as most of the Diplomas are modular and modules can be certificated individually. In addition, many of the assessments are available on demand rather than being tied to a specific timetable.

Cambridge International Diplomas are available through the British Council at four levels:

• Foundation
• Standard
• Advanced
• Professional

Standard Level is generally regarded as being equivalent to IGCSE and O Levels; Advanced Level is generally regarded as equivalent to A Levels. Please note that not all Diplomas are available at all levels. Refer to the Cambridge Qualifications Framework (PDF, 46 KB) to find out more about the different levels and the qualifications available at each.

For university admission purposes, passes in Cambridge International Diplomas at Advanced Level can be equated with grade D in A Levels (60 points on the UCAS scale). Distinctions can be equated with grade B in A Levels (100 points). The Cambridge International Diplomas Recognition Handbook (PDF, 131 KB) shows examples of UK universities which accept Cambridge International Diplomas.

An increasing number of professional bodies and associations also recognise Cambridge International Diplomas. This may be by admitting holders of Cambridge International Diplomas to certain categories of membership, or by granting an allowance against particular membership examinations. Examples of this type of recognition are shown in the Cambridge International Diplomas Recognition Handbook (PDF, 131 KB)

USEFUL DOCUMENTS
The following downloadable documents provide useful information on recognition of Cambridge qualifications:

			Cambridge International Diplomas Recognition Handbook (PDF, 131 KB) Details specific recognition information for each Cambridge International Diploma.
			Recognition and Equivalency Help Pack (PDF, 133 KB) Compares CIE qualifications with other national and international qualifications.
			Cambridge Qualifications Framework (PDF, 46 KB) Shows which Cambridge qualifications are available at which levels and how these levels compare to UK assessment standards.