AICE vs AP Diploma

AICE Diploma vs AP Diploma

Freedom High School Tampa FL

August 22, 2025

 

AICE Diploma

AP Diploma

Philosophy

Encourages independent research, global perspectives and anaylitcal writing

Focuses on mastering content & preparing for standardized exams

Number of Courses Required

7

6

Course Requirements

Complete 1 AICE class in each group + Global Perspectives

          

Group 1

-

Math/Science

         

          

Group 2

-

Languages

          

               

Group 3

-

Arts/Humanities

          

Group 4

-

Interdisciplinary

(Eng Gen Paper/Thinking Skills)

Complete 1 AP class in each group + Capstone Seminar & Research

 

+ 1 AP class any group

                                                         

Group A

: Math/Science

                   

Group B

: English

                                  

Group C

: Social-

          

Science/Art/History

Time Frame For Completion

3

years

                                                                   

If a student needs to retake a year 3 exam, year 1 exams also must be re-tested due to the 3 year window expiring from the date of the first exam in year 1.

4

years - No required testing window.

Exam Timing

Offered twice a year globally

Offered once a year (May) in the U.S.

Exam Retake Expense

$130 ($218

Global Perspectives

)

$99

Exam Pass Levels

5 Levels - [A - E]

3 Levels - [3 - 5]

Exam Execution Time

2-3 days

  

1.5 hours per day

1 day

 

2.5 hours

Exam Style

Written exams only; no multiple choice

Includes multiple choice, free response and performance tasks.

 

Some exams are digital.

Student Online Support

Cambridge One & Cambridge Classroom

MyAPClassroom

Practice Tools

Past papers, AI exam prep, digital textbooks

Progress dashboard, practice questions, videos

Country of Origin

England

USA

Number of States w/ Policies for Colleges/Universities Accepting Test Scores for College Credit

16

                              

[AZ,FL,IN,KS,KY,MD,MS,NE,NY, NC,ND,PA,SC,VA,WA]

37

Course Design

Modular: AS Level (1 year), A Level (2 years)

Typically 1-year standalone courses

Flexibility

Students can mix subjects across levels

Courses are standardized and fixed per subject

Depth vs Breadth

Emphasizes depth & critical thinking

Often broader, with emphasis on content coverage

Scholarships

Some States offer scholarships for Cambridge scores

AP scores often used for scholarships & placement

Global Recognition

Widely accepted in UK, EU, Asia & growing in the USA

Primarily U.S. focused but gaining global traction