IGCSE Mock Exams: What To Expect & Why They Matter

What are IGCSE mock exams?

If you’re getting ready for your IGCSE exams, you may be reaching the point in your studies where you’re about to sit your mock exams. 

IGCSE mock exams are practice tests set by your school. They’re designed to mimic the real exams set by exam boards like Cambridge (CIE), Edexcel and Oxford AQA. 

Mocks usually take place a few months before your actual IGCSEs. This gives you valuable time to identify areas for improvement and sharpen your exam skills.

Your teachers typically create these mock exams using real past paper questions and structure them to reflect the exact format of the IGCSE papers you'll be sitting.

For instance, if you’re preparing for CIE IGCSE Biology (0970) Paper 1, the exam is 45 minutes long and includes multiple choice questions. A mock version of this paper will follow the same format and cover the same range of topics.

If you’d like an idea of what a mock exam for CIE IGCSE Biology might look like, our new Mock Exams feature is perfect for this. You can practise sitting full-length mock exams created by experienced teachers and examiners. This is a great way to try a mock exam from the comfort of your own home before sitting them in school.

Why are IGCSE mock exams important?

1. You get to experience real exam conditions

Sitting still, staying focused and performing under timed conditions can be surprisingly tough. That’s why mock exams are such useful practice—they help you get used to the pressure and environment of an actual IGCSE exam.

Before your mock exams take place in school, you can also try completing one of SME’s mock exams in one sitting to mimic real exam conditions. 

You’ll learn valuable exam technique through completing mocks. This includes how to pace yourself, when to skip and come back to a question, and how to structure your answers for maximum marks. 

2. You can identify gaps in your knowledge

Mock exams are a chance to see how well you’ve understood the material and how effectively you can apply it in an exam scenario. They show you where you're strong and where you still need to focus.

Doing well in your IGCSE mocks is a good indicator of how you'll perform in your actual exams, and can even shape your future study and career plans. If you fall short of your goals, that’s okay—there’s still time to turn things around.

The key is using your mock results to develop a more targeted revision plan that helps you to prioritise your weakest areas. 

3. Mock exams help to inform predicted grades

IGCSE predicted grades are often required for sixth form, college or international school applications. These grades are usually based on classwork, homework and mock exam performance.

In rare situations where you may be unable to sit your actual IGCSEs (such as illness or personal emergencies), your final grade may be based on your predicted grades. This makes your mocks especially important.

If you want to gain an idea of where you’re currently performing, Save My Exams’ Mock Exams tool also provides a baseline grade estimate. This helps you to track your progress as you revise.

How to revise for IGCSE mock exams

1. Review your IGCSE exam specifications

Wondering where to start with preparing for your mocks?

First, check the official specification for your exam board and subject. These tell you exactly what topics and skills will be assessed.

Knowing the structure and focus of your exams makes it easier to ensure your revision covers everything that could come up.

2. Create a revision timetable

Using the specifications, break each subject into smaller topics and plan how much time to dedicate to each one. Consider your school schedule, extracurricular activities, and personal learning pace to keep your timetable manageable.

Consistency is key—study little and often, and include rest breaks to avoid burnout.

Our handy guide to creating a revision timetable may be useful here, as you can see exactly how to approach it. 

3. Use effective revision strategies

Switch up your revision techniques to keep things fresh and engaging! You want to keep your revision as effective as possible, so this means trying out different methods until you find one that suits you the most. 

Here’s how you can keep revision interesting:

• Use flashcards to reinforce key terms and definitions

• Attempt exam-style questions to apply your knowledge in context

• Complete past papers and mock exams to simulate exam conditions

4. Try different revision techniques 

So you’ve got a range of IGCSE resources to keep your revision engaging, but what about your technique?

This is something else you should experiment with in the lead up to your mock exams. You can try out a variety of different revision techniques to figure out exactly what works best for you. 

Whether it’s the Pomodoro technique or spaced repetition, we have a whole host of tips and tricks over on our Learning Hub to help you master your revision technique. 

Do IGCSE mocks affect final grades?

No, your IGCSE mock exams do not directly affect your final grades. However, in exceptional circumstances (such as exam cancellation or illness), they can influence the final teacher-assessed grade that is submitted to the exam board.

More importantly, they’re an essential checkpoint in your learning journey—helping you see how well you’ve grasped the content, and where you can make improvements. 

What happens after your mocks?

Once your teachers have marked your papers, you’ll get them back with feedback. Take time to review your answers carefully—both the ones you got right and the ones you struggled with.

Use this information to update your revision plan and focus your efforts where you need it most. This reflection process is one of the most powerful tools you can use to improve before your final exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are IGCSE mocks easier than final exams?

Not necessarily. Mocks are usually based on past paper questions, so they reflect the same level of difficulty. That said, your teachers might exclude certain topics that you haven’t yet covered. 

Do IGCSE mocks matter?

Yes—they’re extremely useful for improving your performance, identifying gaps and shaping predicted grades. While they don’t directly affect your final mark, they’re one of the best ways to prepare effectively for your real exams.

When are IGCSE mock exams held?

It depends on your school. Most international schools schedule Year 11 (or Grade 11) IGCSE mocks around December or January, but some may hold them as late as February or March. Year 10 (or Grade 10) mocks are typically held towards the end of the academic year.

Is it bad if you fail a mock exam?

Not at all—mocks are there to help you improve. Failing one doesn’t mean you’ll fail the real thing. In fact, a mock result that highlights what you don’t know can be even more useful than one that shows what you do!

How long should I revise each day for IGCSE mocks?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some students work well in short bursts (e.g. using the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes study, 5-minute break). It’s better to revise consistently and avoid long cramming sessions, which can lead to tiredness and confusion.

When should I start revising for my IGCSE mocks?

You’ll have mock exams both at the end of Year 10 (or Grade 10) and mid-Year 11 (or Grade 11), so the sooner you start revising, the better. This gives you time to build strong long-term memory and feel confident going into both your mocks and your final IGCSEs.

What happens if I miss a mock exam?

The protocol for missing a mock exam depends on your school, but they may be able to rearrange another date for you if you miss a mock due to illness or an emergency. Missing a mock exam won’t affect your final grade, but you’ll miss out on valuable practice.

As mentioned, your mock results help to form your predicted grades, which may be used for your real IGCSEs in emergency situations. So it’s always best to complete all of your mock exams where possible. 

Ace your IGCSE mocks with Save My Exams

Want to try full-length IGCSE mock exams at home? Practice makes perfect, and with our new Mock Exams feature, you can put your knowledge to the test like never before. Complete our mock exam papers under real exam conditions to gauge where you currently stand. This is perfect for building confidence and timing skills before the big day. You’ll also get instant feedback on your answers thanks to our Smart Mark tool for selected IGCSE courses.

Save My Exams is your go-to resource for IGCSE revision. Our expert teachers and examiners have created high-quality revision notes, exam-style questions, flashcards and more, each tailored to your specific exam board. They cover everything you need to know so you can focus only on what really matters.

Explore Our IGCSE Revision Resources