Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) vs Pearson Edexcel
Pakistan has two large international examination boards to offer students the choice of pursuing the O Levels and A Levels, namely Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Both are awarding bodies in the UK and are globally recognized, and this fact makes them to be very valuable to schools, universities and the employers across the globe.
The most popular option is believed to be Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in Pakistan. It is the largest international education provider and qualifications provider in the world to learners aged 5-19 and as well as it is a part of the University of Cambridge. CIE tests are taken in over 160 countries and their credentials are particularly accepted by major international universities. CIE is the most favored board by majority of the students in Pakistan due to the availability and academic orientation it offers.
Instead, Pearson Edexcel is one of the largest awarding body in the UK. It provides academic and professional training and is very much preferred to international universities with its flexibility in its approach to learning. Edexcel tests are also sat in schools, colleges and training institutions around the world and the qualifications are also widely used in higher education in other countries as well. The fact that Edexcel has a blend of both academic knowledge and practical and vocational appeal in some subjects is one of the differentiating factors that make students have a bit different learning experience than CIE.
Both CIE and Edexcel are equally accepted the world over when it comes to recognition. Their primary distinctions are in their course contents, patterns of examination and fees. Cambridge exams take place in May/June and October/November whereas Edexcel exams take place in January and May/June. In spite of these differences, the two boards offer great opportunities to students who wish to study abroad.
To sum up, a decision to take CIE or Edexcel can strongly depend on the preferences of a student and their future career. But within the framework of Pakistan, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the most popular board selected because it has good academic reputation and wider recognition.
