AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) (1350)
Exam structure at a glance for AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths): every paper with its time, marks and weighting, plus the facts and links you need.
- Board
- AQA
- Specification code
- 1350
- Level
- Level 3 Certificate (Core Maths)
- First teaching
- 2014
- Exam papers
- 4
- Last checked
- 2026-10-20
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Papers and weightings
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight | Calculator | What it is (our summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Paper 1 (compulsory) | 1 h 30 min | 60 | 50% | Yes | Analysis of data, maths for personal finance, estimation; uses preliminary material issued in advance. |
| Paper 2A: Statistical Techniques (option) | 1 h 30 min | 60 | 50% | Yes | Critical analysis of data and models, normal distribution, probabilities and estimation, correlation and regression. |
| Paper 2B: Critical Path and Risk Analysis (option) | 1 h 30 min | 60 | 50% | Yes | Critical analysis, critical path and risk analysis, expectation, cost benefit analysis. |
| Paper 2C: Graphical Techniques (option) | 1 h 30 min | 60 | 50% | Yes | Critical analysis, graphical methods, rates of change, exponential functions. |
Times are exam lengths; weightings are shares of the whole qualification. Summaries are in our own words.
Routes (3): Paper 1 + Paper 2A; Paper 1 + Paper 2B; Paper 1 + Paper 2C. Each route adds up to 100%.
Good to know
- Pre-release material: Preliminary material available in advance; clean copy given in the exam.
- Routes: 3 possible combinations of papers; each adds up to 100%.
- Formulae booklet: Formulae sheet in all papers; statistical tables for Paper 2A only.
- Calculators: Scientific or graphics calculator allowed in all papers.
- Pre-release material: Preliminary material available in advance; clean copy given in the exam.
- Weightings: Weightings not printed on the page read; 50/50 follows from two 60-mark papers (to confirm).
- Guided learning hours: 180
Not yet confirmed by us: Percentage weights not printed (50/50 inferred from equal marks).; AQA news page 'Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies specification changes' not yet read.. Check the official documents.
Key dates
Summer 2027 exam series
- First exam (GCSE and A level): Mon, 10 May 2027
- Contingency day: Wed, 23 June 2027
- Special consideration deadline: Wed, 30 June 2027
A levels are linear: all exams are sat at the end of the two-year course. Source: JCQ key dates June 2027. Check each board's final timetable for paper dates and results day.
Specification, past papers and grade boundaries
- AQA: Specification at a glance (board website)
- AQA: Specification (PDF, board website)
- AQA: Past papers and mark schemes (board website)
- AQA: Grade boundaries (board website)
Facts checked against: aqa.org.uk.
More packs
Exam facts (paper names, times, marks, weightings, codes) are taken from each awarding body's own specification and summarised in our own words; no specification text, papers, mark schemes or booklets are reproduced. Exam details checked against the board's specification on 2026-10-20. Always check the current specification on the board's website.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (Ofqual and DfE pages on GOV.UK). Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department for Education, Ofqual, JCQ, AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR or WJEC Eduqas.
Questions teachers ask
How long are the AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) exams?
Paper 1: 1 h 30 min; Paper 2A: 1 h 30 min; Paper 2B: 1 h 30 min; Paper 2C: 1 h 30 min.