Can the time difference for AS and A2 be greater than a year? (Pearson Edexcel IAL)

The question is as in the title. I gave my AS in January of 2024 and even gave my A2 in October 2024 which I know I will do terrible in as I did not put enough effort into it. My question is if I can repeat my A2 in May 2025? I am a pearson edexcel candidate and don't really have an idea of how these things work. I would greatly appreciate your help please. Also I don't have any idea about "cash-ins". Thank you.

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Bloxturn002

Yes, you can repeat the exams you took in October 2024 again in May 2025.

You asked about "cash-ins". With Edexcel International AS and A levels, the act of taking exam papers provides you with a series of unit results - typically one per paper. To "cash-in" means to request that Edexcel combine those unit results into a AS or A level grade / qualification. For most people, the request to cash-in will be made at the same point you're entered for the exams (so your exam centre is essentially saying, "Please enter this student for units P1, P2 and M1 and, once marked, combine the results into an International AS level in Mathematics at the appropriate grade").

However, some students opt not to cash-in immediately, so they don't actually receive a qualification. They might then opt to re-take unit P2 (for example), and then cash-in that result (along with the original P1 and M1) to obtain the AS level qualification. Note that cashing-in doesn't prevent you retaking - you just cash-in again after the retake. The only difference is that each time you cash-in you get a qualification - so need to include it in your university application (assuming you're planning on going to university). By delaying the cash-in until you know your unit results, you can avoid having to enter a qualification with a poor grade in your application. This is called a "late cash-in" and attracts a small admin fee.

It probably makes sense to ask your exam centre whether they have requested a cash-in on your behalf - just so you know.

Reply 2

Bloxturn002

Original post by DataVenia

Yes, you can repeat the exams you took in October 2024 again in May 2025.
You asked about "cash-ins". With Edexcel International AS and A levels, the act of taking exam papers provides you with a series of unit results - typically one per paper. To "cash-in" means to request that Edexcel combine those unit results into a AS or A level grade / qualification. For most people, the request to cash-in will be made at the same point you're entered for the exams (so your exam centre is essentially saying, "Please enter this student for units P1, P2 and M1 and, once marked, combine the results into an International AS level in Mathematics at the appropriate grade").
However, some students opt not to cash-in immediately, so they don't actually receive a qualification. They might then opt to re-take unit P2 (for example), and then cash-in that result (along with the original P1 and M1) to obtain the AS level qualification. Note that cashing-in doesn't prevent you retaking - you just cash-in again after the retake. The only difference is that each time you cash-in you get a qualification - so need to include it in your university application (assuming you're planning on going to university). By delaying the cash-in until you know your unit results, you can avoid having to enter a qualification with a poor grade in your application. This is called a "late cash-in" and attracts a small admin fee.
It probably makes sense to ask your exam centre whether they have requested a cash-in on your behalf - just so you know.