The online exam is very easy to use. You don’t need any special software. On the day of your exam, you will be emailed a Google Meets link 10-15 before your agreed start time. You simply click the link and connect with the exam invigilator. They will then talk through the instructions and share the exam link with you. The exam presents questions on screen, and you write your answers on paper, then scan this in at the end of the exam. It’s all straight forward to use and the exam invigilator will be there to help you.

You will need the following for the day of your exam:

1. An internet connection capable of sustaining a video call (please test before your exam day)
2. A web cam
3. Your ID
4. Pen, paper and a scientific calculator
5. Smartphone (to scan in your workings if you have done anything on paper).

The GCSE Maths Equivalency Test consists of:

1 hour Non-Calculator Paper – 50 marks 

1 hour Calculator Paper – 50 marks

These papers are sat back to back in one 2 hour examination.

A Star GCSE Maths equivalency exams follow the Edexcel GCSE Maths specifications: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths (Specification 2015 first certification 2017)

The number of marks has been reduced from 240 marks to 100 marks in order to fit into one examination. However all assessment objectives are maintained from the full specification. This specification gives all the topics required for higher and foundation.

You are able to revise all topics covered in the specification on Maths made easy for free.

Yes we offer both higher and foundation GCSE maths equivalency tests.

Foundation Maths equivalency exam content;

Full specification details can be found in the Edexcel GCSE maths specification.

A less detailed summary of content outlined in the Maths equivalency test foundation guide. The foundation paper has a max grade awarded is a 5, and you’d need a higher number of correct answers than if you sat a higher paper. However, whilst some questions are present in both exams, there is a greater focus on number and ratio than the higher paper and the questions are easier. Those that are less confident generally choose to sit the Maths GCSE foundation exam.

Higher Maths equivalency exam content -refer to pages 12-20 for a summary and page 3 for weightings. A less detailed summary of content outlined in the Maths equivalency test higher guide. The higher paper gives grades from 3 – 9. These exams have some of the same questions as the foundation but have a greater focus on algebra, and geometry and measure than foundation and include more difficult questions. Higher papers are generally sat by more confident students seeking the highest grades (7,8 and 9).

You require a GCSE Maths equivalency for entry into a higher education courses that accept GCSE equivalencies (typically teacher training for QTS, midwifery and nursing).

Where can i sit the GCSE Maths equivalency Exam?

You can sit the exam online or in school (conditions apply).

The A-Star equivalency GCSE maths test follow follows the Edexcel GCSE maths specification. These are loads of free revision materials online. We recommend MME Revise for GCSE maths revision.

MME has a comprehensive set of GCSE Maths revision materials, including video solutions, exam questions, and model solutions for every topic.

MME has GCSE Maths past papers videos for this specification, including free model and video solutions for these papers.

Edexcel GCSE maths past papers 

Results are returned to you within 10 working days via email

NEED IT SOONER?

Then select the Fast track option shown above. This guarantees the results within 2 working days of sitting your exam.

Yes! we do offer the option of a paper-based exam. Please follow the link to see our paper-based exam product. 

Foundation is a shorter course and has much higher pass rates. We advise that all learners should sit foundation maths as foundation has a higher pass rate. The only exception to this advice is if you are looking to get into teaching in Wales and you need a level 6 in GCSE maths. In this specific scenario you would have to take higher tier.

A Star Equivalency Testing has been the leader in delivering Equivalency Tests since 2002 and our certificates are accepted by most training providers. However, as there are hundreds of existing providers, new providers and policies can be subject to change. We therefore advise candidates to always check with their proposed provider.

If there appears to be any issues with your training provider, please email [email protected] as we can assist.

To find out what you need to sit an online exam and for instructions on the day, please see the Equivalency test instructions page.

A Star Equivalency Test Instructions

These instructions will be sent to every learner when they book an exam with A star Equivalency.

UCL only accept level 5’s for all GCSE maths qualifications and equivalencies.

In order to get booked in for an extra time exam, you MUST call 020 8135 8868 or email [email protected] to discuss your requirements. It may take longer to get booked in for an exam as we verify your evidence of extra time.

Please be aware: Due to the extended nature of an extra time exam, it is not possible to sit these exams in every available exam slot due to invigilator availability.

Book now choose date later exams expire after 1 year after purchase.