GCSE equivalency tests

If you do not hold the A to C GCSE grades required to meet the minimum entry requirement for the course you are interested in, you can take a GCSE equivalence test through the University of Brighton. 

A pass in the test is equivalent to a GCSE grade C for the purpose of meeting course entry requirements.

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About GCSE equivalence tests

We offer the following GCSE equivalency tests:

  • English Language (2 hours)
    Based on the current AQA higher level English language GCSE syllabus
  • Mathematics (2.5 hours)
    Based on a combination of calculator and non-calculator questions from the current AQA higher level mathematics
    GCSE syllabus
  • Science (2.5 hours)
    Based on the current GCSE AQA unit 1 questions at higher level for biology, chemistry and physics

Please note that GCSE equivalence tests do not count as a qualification in their own right.

Overseas qualifications?

We may accept your overseas qualifications as equivalent to GCSEs. To find out whether your qualification can be translated to an English equivalent, contact NARIC.

Cost

University of Brighton equivalency tests cost £50 each.

Booking your test

Email your name and the subject(s) of the test(s) that you are interested in to SoEFinance@brighton.ac.uk and we will send you information about booking through our online shop. 

If you are applying to other universities (apart from University of Brighton and University of Sussex) you will need to check that they accept our GCSE equivalence tests.

Preparation

The University of Brighton does not provide any tuition for these tests. You will either need to study independently or pay for a private tutor. It may also be worth considering an adult education GCSE course, either online or at a local college, particularly if you feel you need assistance to help you pass.

We recommend the following resources to help you study:

Any recently published GCSE revision guide book.

Taking the test

The tests take place in both March and July on our Falmer campus. Applicants will be advised of the exact location. The test length varies, maths and science are 2.5 hours and English is 2 hours. The questions are not multiple choice and are based on full AQA exam papers. They are taken under exam conditions.

Our next equivalency tests take place on 5 July 2019.

Disability

If you have a disability that may affect your exam performance you may be eligible for extra exam time. If you can provide a photocopy of written evidence of your condition made by a professional assessor, we will consider whether you will be eligible for an extra 25% test time.

Results

We aim to provide your results within one week of the test.

The pass rates are:

  • English Language: 57%
  • Maths: 50%
  • Science: 40%

If you fail the test, we will only allow you to retake it if your result is within 5 per cent of the pass mark. Otherwise you can re-sit the test as many times as necessary with Equivalency Testing.

Alternative options

Equivalency Testing

The University of Brighton is a partner of Equivalency Testing who offer equivalence tests with optional tutor support and a large range of test dates. Their tests are accepted for entry onto University of Brighton courses, but are not valid as full GCSE qualifications.

ICS Learn

ICS Learn offers a full GCSE home-study course with tutor support which is accredited by the AQA exam board and is highly recommended if you want to achieve a GCSE qualification.

Equivalence tests at other universities

The University of Brighton does not accept equivalence tests taken at other universities.

Our equivalence tests are accepted for entry to certain courses at the University of Sussex but you are strongly advised to check with the admissions department of the course you’re applying to before you arrange to sit any of our tests. You will need to check with other universities if they accept an equivalency test from the University of Brighton.

Lost GCSE certificates

If you have lost or misplaced your original GCSE/O-level certificates, you can try the following:

  • Contact the school at which you took the exams and ask if they have a record of your result.
  • If your school does not have a record of your result, they may be able to tell you which exam board you took the exam with. You can contact the exam board directly to see if they can reprint your results.
  • If you cannot obtain your certificates, you will need to take the equivalence test or retake a GCSE.