A-Level Chemistry for Private Candidates
A-Level Chemistry is available to private candidates, and the grade rests entirely on three written papers. What has to be planned is the practical endorsement — twelve required activities, assessed under supervision, and asked for by most medicine and chemistry courses.
Specification code
7405
Awarding body
AQA
Entry fee
£380 – £390
Coursework / NEA
Practical endorsement (12 required practicals)
Can you take A-Level Chemistry as a private candidate?
As with Physics, nothing is handed in — but at least 15% of the written marks assess practical skills, and the endorsement is reported separately alongside the grade.
Applicants to medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and chemistry courses, and retake candidates who missed a grade. The endorsement makes early arrangement essential.
Requirements verified against the awarding body on 7 September 2026 —private candidate guidance ·specification
How is A-Level Chemistry assessed?
A-Level Chemistry (7405) is assessed by 3 written papers, with no coursework to submit. You sit all of them in the same exam series, at the same tier.
| Paper | Length | Marks | Weighting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 2h | 105 | 35% | Inorganic and physical chemistry |
| Paper 2 | 2h | 105 | 35% | Organic and physical chemistry |
| Paper 3 | 2h | 90 | 30% | Any content, including practical techniques |
Do you have to do the Practical endorsement assessment?
Yes — it is required. Complete the twelve required practical activities under supervision and be assessed against the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC).
It does not affect your final grade
It appears on the certificate as a separately reported result alongside the overall grade. Medicine, dentistry and many chemistry courses ask for a Pass.
What do the required practicals mean for a private candidate?
12
required practical activities
15%+
of total marks draw on them
AQA states that at least 15% of the marks for all A-level Chemistry courses require the assessment of practical skills. Paper 3 in particular draws on practical technique, so the required activities cannot simply be read about.
Chemistry entry fees
Chemistry
7405 · AQA
£390
Chemistry A (Retake)
H432 · OCR
£380
Fees cover the awarding body entry, invigilation at the centre and processing of your results. See the full fees list or check entry deadlines to avoid late charges.
Chemistry questions from private candidates
Can I take A-Level Chemistry as a private candidate?
+
Yes. The written papers present no obstacle. The endorsement does need arranging in advance, and for medicine or dentistry applicants it is usually not optional.
How is A-Level Chemistry assessed?
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Three written papers of two hours each. Papers 1 and 2 carry 105 marks and 35% each — inorganic and physical, then organic and physical. Paper 3 carries 90 marks and 30% and can draw on any content, including practical techniques.
How many required practicals are there?
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Twelve. AQA states that at least 15% of the marks for all A-level Chemistry courses require the assessment of practical skills, so they matter to the written papers whether or not you take the endorsement.
Do medical schools require the practical endorsement?
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Many do, and some will not consider an application without it. Policies are set by each university and change between cycles, so check the specific course before deciding to sit the papers alone.
Other A-Level subjects
Ready to enter A-Level Chemistry?
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