The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) is an internationally recognized, advanced secondary school curriculum and assessment program developed by Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge in England. Pronounced like the word "ace," AICE offers a set of challenging college-level classes for high school students. It is similar in rigor and level to Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Key features of the AICE program include:
- It provides a flexible and broad curriculum with courses in mathematics and sciences, languages, arts, and humanities, grouped into different subject areas.
- The program consists of one-year AS Level courses and two-year A Level courses, with the option to take individual classes or pursue the full diploma.
- Students are assessed through a combination of exams, essays, presentations, and projects, with grading from A* (highest) to E (passing).
- To earn the AICE Diploma, students must pass courses from at least three subject groups and accumulate a certain number of credits within a 25-month period.
- The diploma is awarded with different levels: Pass, Merit, and Distinction, based on performance.
- Completing the AICE program can potentially earn college credit (up to 45 hours) and make students more competitive in college admissions.
- In Florida, for example, earning the AICE Diploma qualifies students for the highest level of the Bright Futures Scholarship without meeting GPA or standardized test score requirements.
Overall, AICE is designed to prepare students for university-level study through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and deep subject understanding, while offering flexibility to tailor courses to individual interests and goals. It is offered in schools worldwide and recognized by many universities globally. This program provides both a prestigious diploma and opportunities for advanced college credit, positioning students well for higher education success.
