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GCSE Science Equivalency Test
GCSE Science Equivalency Test
The GCSE Combined Science equivalency test is an official qualification, equivalent to a Science GCSE, accepted by the majority of employers and training providers across the UK. It is widely used to meet entry requirements for teacher training, nursing degrees, university courses, and a range of other professional programmes. Unlike a traditional GCSE, it can be taken at any time of year, with results returned within 10 working days (or 2 working days with Fast Track).
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Official GCSE Science equivalency exam
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Used for access into nursing, teacher training and lots more!
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Take your exam online, with a remote invigilator
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Lowest cost when bundled with the accompanying course
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The online exam is available 6 days a week, all year round
Now available online.
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GCSE Science Equivalency Test Details
Is the GCSE Science equivalency exam online?
The GCSE science equivalency test is taken online, from the comfort of your own home, with remote invigilation via video call. Answers are typed directly into the on-screen exam. A paper-based option is also available via A Star Equivalency.
What is included?
The following is provided when you purchase your GCSE Science equivalency test:
- We will cover your registration fee
- One GCSE Science equivalency exam
- Electronic certificate
Do training providers accept this qualification?
A Star Equivalency has been delivering equivalency testing since 2002, and their qualifications are accepted by the majority of training providers across the UK. This includes those offering GCSE equivalency tests for teacher training routes such as PGCE, SCITT and School Direct. However, since there are hundreds of providers across the UK, their requirements can change at any time. If you have any questions regarding this, please email test@astarequivalency.co.uk.
Entry Requirements
There are no pre-requisite requirements to take this exam. If you are unsure whether you need a Science equivalency test, you can find out more about the GCSEs needed to become a teacher via Get Into Teaching. If you require extra time for your exam, please call 020 8135 8868.
Technical Setup
Ensure that you have the following resources prepared for your GCSE equivalency exam day:
- A Windows PC, laptop, or Mac
- A Microphone and webcam, these can either be external or built in. You must set these up and test them before the date of your exam to ensure it can run smoothly.
- A consistent and strong Wi-Fi, which will maintain a video call.
- A pen, paper, and a scientific calculator.
Exam day setup
Find a location where you will not be disturbed to take your GCSE equivalency exam in. You must have a valid form of Photo ID, which you can show to the remote invigilator.
When will I sit the exam?
The GCSE equivalency test can be taken year round, 6 days a week, including on Saturdays.
How long will my results take?
Your results will be emailed to you within 10 working days after you have taken you exam. If you wish to have access to your results quicker than this you can select our fast track option. This reduces the time it takes to provide your results to up to 2 working days.
What is the format of the GCSE Science equivalency exam?
The GCSE Science equivalency exam is made up of:
- One 2-hour long paper.
Science Equivalency Test Features
Recognised Nationwide
The A Star Equivalency test is recognised by the majority of training providers across the UK, helping thousands of students meet teacher training GCSE requirements and other course entry criteria. Over 10,000 students have already passed their equivalency testing with us, reflected in our 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot.
Convenient Exam Dates
GCSE equivalency tests with A Star Equivalency are open 6 days a week, including Saturdays, and are not tied to the summer or November exam series like a traditional GCSE. Whether you’re working towards teacher training, nursing, or meeting university entry requirements, you can book at a time that suits your schedule.
Online Exam
The GCSE Science equivalency test is taken online from home, at a time that suits you, with 1-to-1 remote invigilation via video call. You can type your answers directly into the on-screen exam, making it a straightforward process from the comfort of your own home. If you’d prefer, a paper-based exam option is also available.
Course Option
You can choose an Exam and Course option to help you prepare and pass on the first attempt. The online course for 2026/27 includes multimedia learning resources, full past papers, AI marking and progress tracking, giving you everything you need to revise at your own pace. A Premium Bundle is also available, which includes 12 months of course access and a free resit if needed.
No Entry Requirements
The GCSE Science equivalency qualification is accessible to learners of all ages, with no prior entry requirements needed. As long as you have a strong internet connection and a laptop or PC, you are able to sit the exam. You can check the GCSEs needed to become a teacher or the GCSEs needed for university to confirm this exam meets your requirements.
Certification Provided
When you pass your GCSE Science equivalency test, you’ll receive an official certificate from A Star Equivalency. The 2-hour exam covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics in equal parts and is marked out of 100, with a grade 4 (C) or above requiring a score of 51/100 or more.
Science Equivalency Course Contents
Learning Resources
Full Past Papers
AI Marking
Progress Tracking
Online Delivery
Exam Specific
Find out more about equivalencies
Call one of our experts on 020 8163 2020 to find out more about GCSE Science Equivalencies.
GCSE Science Equivalency Test FAQs
Is this an equivalent qualification to a Science GCSE?
Yes, the GCSE Science equivalency exam offered here follows the Edexcel (iGCSE) Science (Single Award) specification. The qualification you receive upon passing the exam will be recognised by the majority of employers and training providers in the UK.
What is the format of this GCSE Science equivalency test?
The exam is 100% online, the questions will be displayed on your screen, with space for you to manually enter your answers.
15 minutes before the scheduled start time of your exam you will be invited to join a Google Meets video call via a link sent to your email address. On this call your invigilator will walk you through all the instructions for your exam, as well as completing some pre-exam checks. Then your exam will begin.
The exam is in the form of a single 2-hour long paper.
Will my training provider accept this GCSE Science equivalency qualification?
A majority of UK-based training providers have recognised A Star Equivalency qualifications for many years. You should double check whether your provider accepts these qualifications with them, as they may be one of few who do not.
If you are have any questions, you can email help@astarequivalency.co.uk
Can I sit a paper based exam?
Yes, there is an paper based exam product available for you if you would rather complete the exam in that way.
Who is the GCSE Science equivalency test for?
The short answer is, anyone who needs it. A Star Equivalency’s exams are a flexible and accessible alternative to GCSEs, but they provide an equivalent qualification. You can take the exam when it suits you, in the comfort of your own home.
Do you have any revision materials available for free?
Check out these free GCSE Science revision resources provided by MME, including revision cards and past papers. These resources will all be relevant to the GCSE Science equivalency test.
What content is in the exam?
The exam covers three areas – Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (33.3% each). The topics within each are as follows:
- Biology: nature and variety of living organisms, structure and functions in living organisms, reproduction and inheritance, ecology and the environment, use of biological resources
- Chemistry: principles of chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry
- Physics: forces and motion, electricity, waves, energy resources and energy transfers, solids/liquids/gases, magnetism and electromagnetism, radioactivity and particles, astrophysics
Can I sit a traditional GCSE Combined Science exam instead?
Yes, you can sit your Combined Science GCSEs as a private candidate! Use Pass GCSE to help you through this process, or explore further qualification options at Pass Learn and Pass Functional Skills.
What if I require extra time?
In order to get booked in for an extra time exam, you MUST call 020 8135 8868 or email exams@astarequivalency.co.uk 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.
What should I prepare for my exam day?
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.
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