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A Level History Exam
A Level History Exam
Book your A Level History exam with Pass and secure your private candidate exam entry at a local exam centre. Our team provides clear support throughout the process, from booking through to receiving your results.
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Fast-Track A Level History Qualification. Work towards your A Level History qualification without needing to follow the traditional school or college pathway. Pass offers a straightforward and flexible exam booking route for private candidates and adult learners.
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Ofqual-Regulated A Level History Exam. Sit a fully recognised A Level History qualification regulated by Ofqual and accepted in the same way as qualifications achieved through schools and colleges across the UK.
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Low Cost Guaranteed, No Hidden Fees. Sit a fully recognised A Level History qualification regulated by Ofqual and accepted in the same way as qualifications achieved through schools and colleges across the UK.
Now available online.
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
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How does the A Level History exam process work?
Not sure how to begin booking your A Level History exam? Pass is here to make the process simple and easy to manage. Whether you need help understanding exam board options, guidance around coursework requirements, or support entering as a private candidate, our team is available to help at every stage.
A Level History exams are usually sat during the summer exam series at an approved exam centre local to you. The qualification is open to private candidates and adult learners across the UK, with Pass handling the key booking arrangements on your behalf to help everything run smoothly.
Contact us today and one of our A Level exam advisors will guide you through your options, answer your questions and help you move forward with your A Level History exam booking confidently.
Reserve your place
Register for your A Level History exam above. The Pass team will then be in touch to confirm your booking at a suitable local exam centre.
Take your exam
We will confirm the time, location and all relevant details of your A Level History exam ahead of the day, so you arrive fully prepared.
Receive your results
On national A Level results day, your exam centre will release your results and you will receive your grade.
Take the next step in your career
Go on to university, a degree apprenticeship, or open the door to research, law, teaching, journalism and other graduate-level opportunities.
Fast-Track A Level History Qualification
Achieve your A Level History qualification without returning to a traditional school or college setting. Pass supports private candidates and adult learners with a straightforward exam booking process designed to fit around your schedule and future goals.
Ofqual-Regulated A Level History Exam
This A Level History qualification is fully regulated by Ofqual and carries the same academic recognition as an A Level completed through a school or sixth form. Exams are available to private candidates throughout the UK.
Low Cost Guaranteed, No Hidden Fees
We provide clear and competitive pricing for A Level History exams, with no unexpected fees. Your booking includes the essential exam arrangements, from exam entry through to certification with the exam board.
1 Reserve your place
Choose your preferred exam date, exam board and exam option online, then complete the checkout to secure your booking.
2 Take your exam
Ahead of your exam day, we will send you full confirmation of your exam time, exam centre location and all important information you need before attending. This gives you time to prepare properly and familiarise yourself with the exam rules in advance. On the day of your assessment, you will attend your local exam centre and sit your A Level History exam in person alongside other candidates across the UK.
Exam Information
Exams are taken in person at an exam centre local to you
A Level History exam dates can be found below
Coursework is required for AQA, Edexcel and OCR A, while Cambridge International (CIE) is fully exam-based
3 Receive your results
A Level results day is Thursday 12th August 2027. Students across all subjects and exam boards receive their grades on the same day.
If you are sitting your exams as a private candidate, your results will normally be provided directly by your exam centre. As centres may issue results in different ways, it is recommended that you check in advance whether your grades will be available for collection in person, sent by email, or posted to you.
4 Take the next step. It all starts with a Pass.
Use your A Level History qualification to progress into university, a degree apprenticeship, or take the next step towards a rewarding career. UCAS also has helpful guidance on studying History and the kinds of skills and progression routes it can support. If you are comparing History with other subjects or study routes, you can also explore Pass’s wider online A Levels before deciding your next step.
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A Level History Exam Information - AQA (7042)
AQA A Level History develops understanding of historical change, evidence and interpretations through two written papers and an independent historical investigation.
Paper 1
Topics
The study of significant historical developments over a period of around 100 years, including analysis of historical interpretations and how views of the past have changed.
Format
One compulsory question and two essays chosen from a choice of three.
Paper 2
Topics
An in-depth study of a period of major historical change or development, supported by the analysis of associated primary evidence.
Format
One compulsory question and two essays selected from a choice of three.
Coursework
Topics
A personal study based on a topic of the student's choice, framed as a historical question covering a period of approximately 100 years.
Format
An independent written investigation which must not overlap with content studied in papers 1 or 2.
A Level History Exam Information - Edexcel (9HI0)
Edexcel A Level History combines breadth and depth study, source analysis, interpretation and an independent historical enquiry.
Paper 1
Topics
A breadth study of a historical period, assessing understanding of key themes and the ability to analyse and evaluate historical interpretations.
Format
Three questions: two essays chosen from a selection and one compulsory interpretations question.
Paper 2
Topics
An in-depth study focusing on key topics, combining analysis of primary sources with extended essay writing.
Format
Two questions: one compulsory source question and one essay from a choice of two.
Paper 3
Topics
A combination of depth and breadth study, focusing on source analysis and long-term historical change across a period of at least 100 years.
Format
Three questions: one compulsory source question and two essays chosen from a selection.
Coursework
Topics
An independently researched historical enquiry analysing interpretations and evaluating evidence.
Format
A written investigation based on a topic chosen by the student.
A Level History Exam Information - OCR A (H505)
OCR A Level History combines British and non-British period study with thematic analysis, interpretation and independent research.
Paper 1
Topics
A British period study combined with a source-based enquiry, focused on a substantial and coherent element of British history.
Format
Written responses assessing historical knowledge and analysis of primary source material.
Paper 2
Topics
A non-British period study examining a coherent historical period from outside the UK.
Format
Essay-based questions assessing depth of historical understanding.
Paper 3
Topics
A thematic study covering at least 100 years, supported by in-depth studies and evaluation of historical interpretations.
Format
Extended written responses analysing themes, evidence and interpretations.
Coursework
Topics
An independently researched historical enquiry based on a topic chosen by the learner.
Format
A 3000-4000 word essay, internally assessed and approved by OCR.
A Level History Exam Information - Cambridge International CIE (9489)
Cambridge International A Level History is fully exam-based and offers European, American and International options across source work, outlines, interpretations and depth study.
Paper 1
Topics
Source-based study from one option: Modern Europe, 1750-1921; The History of the USA, 1820-1941; or International History, 1870-1945.
Format
Two two-part questions assessing historical knowledge and analysis of sources.
Paper 2
Topics
Outline study from the same option as Paper 1, covering key developments over time.
Format
Two two-part essay questions testing explanation and historical understanding.
Paper 3
Topics
Interpretations study on one topic: The Origins of the First World War, The Holocaust, or The Cold War.
Format
One interpretations question evaluating historical views and debates.
Paper 4
Topics
Depth study from European, American or International options, such as interwar Europe, the USA 1944-92, or International history 1945-92.
Format
Two essay questions assessing detailed knowledge and analysis.
A Level History Exam Dates
Summer 2027
| DATE | TIME | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA Paper 1 | Wednesday 19 May | Afternoon | 2h 30m |
| AQA Paper 2 | Wednesday 26 May | Morning | 2h 30m |
| Edexcel Paper 1 | Wednesday 19 May | Afternoon | 2h 15m |
| Edexcel Paper 2 | Wednesday 26 May | Morning | 1h 30m |
| Edexcel Paper 3 | Monday 14 June | Morning | 2h 15m |
| OCR A Unit Group 1 | Wednesday 26 May | Morning | 1h 30m |
| OCR A Unit Group 2 | Monday 14 June | Morning | 1h |
| OCR A Unit Group 3 | Wednesday 19 May | Afternoon | 2h 30m |
| Cambridge International Papers 1–4 | Dates pending | — | — |
AQA Paper 1
AQA Paper 2
Edexcel Paper 1
Edexcel Paper 2
Edexcel Paper 3
OCR A Unit Group 1
OCR A Unit Group 2
OCR A Unit Group 3
Cambridge International Papers 1–4
FAQs
Can I book an a level history exam as a private candidate?
Yes. Pass can help arrange your A Level History exam entry at a suitable exam centre, whether you are an a level history private candidate or returning to education as an adult learner. To make the whole process of booking and studying easier, for other select subjects, Pass also offers courses for A levels online.
Which exam boards are available for A Level History?
Pass currently offers A Level History through AQA (7042), Edexcel (9HI0), OCR A (H505) and Cambridge International CIE (9489). If you are still comparing subjects or exam boards, the wider A Level exam booking page gives an overview of the A Level exam options available through Pass.
Is coursework required for A Level History?
Coursework is part of the AQA, Edexcel and OCR A specifications. Cambridge International CIE A Level History is fully exam-based and has no coursework requirement.
When are A Level History exams taken?
A Level History exams are normally taken in the summer series. For 2026, written papers run between 05 May 2026 and 11 June 2026, with results day on 13 August 2026. Pass offers online A level courses for select subjects to help prepare, and you can enrol anytime! For the 2027 exams, A Level results day is Thursday 12th August 2027.
Can I take an A Level History resit?
Yes. You can book an a level history resit to improve a previous grade, support a university application or meet entry requirements for a future route.
Do I need previous qualifications to sit A Level History?
There are no formal entry requirements for an exam booking. A good understanding of History at GCSE level or similar can help to enrol into institutions, but the exam is open to first-time candidates and resit candidates. A GCSE qualification is highly recommended before aiming for A level History.
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