Fiducia TogetherReading a specification
The document that says exactly what you can be examined on. Free, and rarely read.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
A specification lists the content, the assessment structure, the weightings and the assessment objectives for a qualification.
Where it applies
Every GCSE, A Level and vocational qualification.
How it works
It is the definitive statement of what is examinable. Anything not in it cannot be examined, and everything in it can be.
Boards differ, sometimes substantially, which is why using another board's resources is risky.
How to use it in your work
Download yours and use the content list as your revision checklist.
RAG-rate each point — red, amber, green — and revise the reds.
Check the assessment structure: how many papers, how long, what is on each, and whether a calculator is allowed.
Where to get help
Your teacher and your board's specification and mark scheme.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.