Frequently Asked Questions
What is AICE?
The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an international diploma that students can earn via an advanced academic curriculum and assessment program written and administered by a non-profit department (CIE) of the University of Cambridge in England. AICE program courses and examinations may be offered during grades 9-12 in schools worldwide registered as CIE Centres.
How long has AICE been in existence?
While Cambridge University was founded in 1209, the AICE program has been in existence since the 1950’s. It was introduced in the U.S. in 1994. The AICE diploma is offered at over 9,000 schools world wide.
What are the benefits of AICE?
AICE not only prepares students to enter college with up to 30 hours of credit, it also provides them with the skills required to be successful once there. In addition, students who earn the AICE Diploma will qualify for the Florida Academic Bright Futures Scholarship. Students who pass individual papers (not earning the full diploma) will earn college credit for those papers passed.
What do I have to do to earn an AICE Diploma?
Students must pass seven credits worth of examinations. At least one examination must come from each of the four subject groups: Mathematics and Sciences, Languages, Arts and Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Skills Based. Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level exams count for one credit and Advanced (A) Level exams count for two credits.
Do students have to earn the full AICE Diploma in order to earn college credits?
No. Colleges award credit on a subject–by–subject basis according to grades earned on individual examinations passed.
When are AICE Exams given?
AICE Exams are given in November and June. The November exams are used primarily as make ups for students that were not pleased with their June scores. One of the benefits of AICE is you can take an exam as many as three times to improve your score.
How do AICE examination grades compare with the US grading scale?
Passing grades available on AICE exams range from A to E with A being the highest. Performance of students below the threshold of a CIE grade of E receives a grade of U, ungraded, which is not considered passing. A Department Of Education AICE program study found that a CIE grade of E most closely correlated with an Advanced Placement exam grade of 3 and a US grade of C.
Do many universities give college credits for AICE exams passed?
Yes. University of Cambridge International Examinations publishes a list on their website (go to www.cie.org.uk click on the ‘Recognition’ tab and then scroll down to the ‘Useful documents’ section) of US universities that have provided written statements of their AICE recognition policy.
Do all of the schools in Florida accept AICE exams?
Yes. All of the colleges and universities in Florida honor AICE Exams and give credit for passing scores.
How many college credits can be earned through AICE?
Colleges and universities can award between 30 and 45 credit hours.
Does AICE help towards Florida Bright Futures?
Earn an AICE Diploma, do 100 hours of community service, and fill out the Florida Financial Aid Application and you will automatically earn the Academic Scholars Award. You will not have to get the benchmark score on the ACT or SAT.
How does AICE compare with IB?
While both AICE and IB are rigorous programs, AICE allows the student the flexibility to specialize in subjects where they will have the most success as well as allowing them to take the elective classes they wish.