Cambridge Paper Codes Explained

Cambridge past paper files have names like 4024_s23_qp_12. They look confusing, but each part tells you something useful, and knowing them helps you find the right paper fast.

An example: 4024_s23_qp_12

4024: the syllabus code, here O Level Mathematics.
s23: the exam series, here May/June 2023.
qp: the type of document, here a question paper.
12: paper 1, variant 2.

Exam series letters

s: summer, the May/June series.
w: winter, the October/November series.
m: March, the February/March series, which is only offered for some subjects and in some regions.

Document types

qp: question paper.
ms: mark scheme.
er: examiner report, written after the exam to explain how students did.
gt: grade thresholds, the marks needed for each grade.
in: insert, such as a reading passage or source booklet that goes with a question paper.

What is a variant?

Cambridge students sit exams in many time zones, so the same paper is written in different versions called variants. In the code 12, the first digit is the paper number and the second digit is the variant. Paper 11, 12 and 13 are all versions of Paper 1 with different questions at the same level.

You will usually sit only one variant. Your school or exam centre will tell you which one, and it is printed on your statement of entry. When you practise, any variant of the right paper is useful, which gives you more questions to work through.

Why variants matter for your grade

Grade thresholds can differ between variants of the same series, so when you work out a grade make sure you use the row that matches the variant you sat.