• Full course GCSE assesses the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing
• There are two tiers of assessment: Foundation (G-C) and Higher (D-A*)
• Assessment weighting for each skill is 25%
• Most awarding bodies offer 100% external assessment if required
•  CCEA offers 100% external assessment only
• Most specifications offer a written coursework option instead of a terminal writing paper
• Some specifications offer a centre-assessed speaking option if the written coursework option is not chosen
• AQA offers a modular examination (Specification B).
  

It is also possible to follow a short course GCSE with some awarding bodies. Short courses assess all four skills but cover less topic areas. 

It is important that both teachers and learners are fully familiar with the requirements of the particular GCSE specification and that learners have plenty of practice to prepare for the examination. Awarding bodies often provide supplementary materials on their websites such as sample and past papers, guidance on assessment and examiners reports. Details are also available of any training courses run by the awarding body on aspects of the GCSE. Attendance at these courses, which are often run by examiners, can give teachers greater confidence in the requirements of the examination.