Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry syllabus (0620) for 2026 to 2028
TutorAura guide · Updated
The Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) syllabus for examination in 2026, 2027 and 2028 has twelve units, from states of matter and atomic structure to organic chemistry and chemical analysis. Here is every topic, with the exam structure and how to use the list to plan revision. The official syllabus gives the full detail of each topic.
Key takeaways
- Twelve units, including stoichiometry, electrochemistry and organic chemistry.
- Core (grades C to G) or Extended (A* to G).
- Three papers each: multiple choice, theory and a practical paper.
- Stoichiometry (moles) underpins many later topics: secure it early.
The exam papers
| Paper | Who takes it | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) | Core | 45 minutes | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) | Extended | 45 minutes | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Theory (Core) | Core | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 4: Theory (Extended) | Extended | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 5: Practical Test | Everyone takes 5 or 6 | 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 | 20% |
| Paper 6: Alternative to Practical | Everyone takes 5 or 6 | 1 hour | 40 | 20% |
Core candidates take Papers 1 and 3 and are eligible for grades C to G. Extended candidates take Papers 2 and 4 and are eligible for grades A* to G. Everyone takes one practical paper.
1 States of matter
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Solids, liquids and gases |
| 1.2 | Diffusion |
2 Atoms, elements and compounds
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Elements, compounds and mixtures |
| 2.2 | Atomic structure and the Periodic Table |
| 2.3 | Isotopes |
| 2.4 | Ions and ionic bonds |
| 2.5 | Simple molecules and covalent bonds |
| 2.6 | Giant covalent structures |
| 2.7 | Metallic bonding |
3 Stoichiometry
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 3.1 | Formulae |
| 3.2 | Relative masses of atoms and molecules |
| 3.3 | The mole and the Avogadro constant |
4 Electrochemistry
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Electrolysis |
| 4.2 | Hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells |
5 Chemical energetics
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 5.1 | Exothermic and endothermic reactions |
6 Chemical reactions
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | Physical and chemical changes |
| 6.2 | Rate of reaction |
| 6.3 | Reversible reactions and equilibrium |
| 6.4 | Redox |
7 Acids, bases and salts
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 7.1 | The characteristic properties of acids and bases |
| 7.2 | Oxides |
| 7.3 | Preparation of salts |
8 The Periodic Table
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 8.1 | Arrangement of elements |
| 8.2 | Group I properties |
| 8.3 | Group VII properties |
| 8.4 | Transition elements |
| 8.5 | Noble gases |
9 Metals
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 9.1 | Properties of metals |
| 9.2 | Uses of metals |
| 9.3 | Alloys and their properties |
| 9.4 | Reactivity series |
| 9.5 | Corrosion of metals |
| 9.6 | Extraction of metals |
10 Chemistry of the environment
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 10.1 | Water |
| 10.2 | Fertilisers |
| 10.3 | Air quality and climate |
11 Organic chemistry
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 11.1 | Formulae, functional groups and terminology |
| 11.2 | Naming organic compounds |
| 11.3 | Fuels |
| 11.4 | Alkanes |
| 11.5 | Alkenes |
| 11.6 | Alcohols |
| 11.7 | Carboxylic acids |
| 11.8 | Polymers |
12 Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 12.1 | Experimental design |
| 12.2 | Acid–base titrations |
| 12.3 | Chromatography |
| 12.4 | Separation and purification |
| 12.5 | Identification of ions and gases |
Where students lose marks
- Stoichiometry: moles, reacting masses and concentrations. Practise with the moles calculator and relative formula mass calculator.
- Equations: balancing and writing ionic equations. See balancing chemical equations.
- Bonding and structure: explaining properties. See ionic vs covalent bonding.
- Tests for ions and gases: learn the tests and their results together.
Using the syllabus to revise
Rate each topic red, amber or green, then work through red topics with notes, flashcards and exam questions. Revisit them a few days later and mix topics in timed practice. See how to revise for IGCSE Chemistry for a full plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many units are in IGCSE Chemistry?
Twelve, from states of matter to experimental techniques and chemical analysis.
Is IGCSE Chemistry hard?
It has a lot of content, and stoichiometry questions catch many students out. Regular practice with calculations and equations makes a big difference.
What is stoichiometry?
The part of chemistry about quantities: formulae, relative masses and moles. It is unit 3 of the syllabus and is used in many later topics, so it is worth securing early.
Sources
- Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Cambridge International.
Keep reading
IGCSE Chemistry revision: a plan for every paper
Stoichiometry, equations, tests for ions and gases, and strategy for each paper.
Moles in chemistry explained: formula and examples
Moles = mass ÷ Mr, Avogadro's constant, reacting masses, limiting reactants and concentration.
Moles calculator: moles, mass or Mr
Moles, mass or Mr from the other two, with Mr worked out from a formula if you like.
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