Testing FAQ's

3201 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234, US

Booker High School AICE

Welcome Students, Families, & Stakeholders To the 2025-2026 School Year

Frequently Asked Testing Questions

Can the date of an exam be changed?

No. For exam security and the integrity of test results, Cambridge does not allow testing on any other date or time than the scheduled exam block for any reason.

What if a student is sick on exam day?

If a student is very sick on test day, we can apply for Special Consideration to excuse them from that component, as long as proper documentation is received by the AICE Coordinator within 5 days of the missed exam. Accepted documentation includes a doctor's note, a police report (in the case of an accident), or evidence from the school that the student attempted to attend but was too sick and sent home. Special Consideration is not guaranteed — Cambridge decides whether the excuse is acceptable. Parent notes cannot be submitted.
If a student misses both parts of an exam, Cambridge will not issue a grade at all.

What if a student misses both parts or misses one component but does not have documentation?

Sophomores and juniors who miss both components, or who miss one component but lack proper documentation for the other, can retake the exam in the following year, though a fee may apply. Seniors cannot retake exams in the fall and may jeopardize earning their AICE diploma if they miss or fail an exam.

Can a student receive testing accommodations if they have a 504 or IEP?

If a student receives extended time or other accommodations, these will be submitted to Cambridge by the AICE coordinator. 25% extended time is usually easy to obtain. More than 25% extra time and other accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis by Cambridge, and they make the final decision. Students should confirm with their classroom teacher approximately one month prior to their exam that their accommodations are in place.

What happens if a student passes the course but fails the Cambridge exam?

As long as a student passes the course, they will earn high school credit. Cambridge exam results only determine whether a student earns college credit.

Students who are not pursuing the AICE Diploma do not need to retake the exam, and the exam result does not impact their course grade.

Students pursuing the AICE Diploma should consult their counselor or the AICE Coordinator to adjust their schedule if they receive a U (Ungraded) on an exam, meaning they did not pass, in order to stay on track with diploma requirements.

What should I bring to the test?

You can bring a clear water bottle with no label. No other drinks or food are allowed at your desk. We provide pens for your use. Please bring a light sweater or jacket, as testing rooms can vary in temperature.

What can't I bring to the test?

Cell phones, smartwatches, electronic or communication devices, notes, notecards, hats, food, backpacks, and solid water bottles are not allowed in the exam room.

What if I have multiple exams on the same day?

Same session (both AM or both PM): Students will take one exam, then have a break. During the break, they will be held under testing conditions (no electronics) and may eat a meal or snack that they bring with them before starting the second exam. Students who are not informed of their specific arrangements for this at least ONE WEEK before their exam should contact the AICE coordinator for exact instructions.
Different sessions (AM and PM): Students will return to class between exams.

What happens if I come late to an AICE exam?

Cambridge administers AICE exams worldwide on the same day and at the same time. Security is a major consideration. Students must be in the exam room at designated times. If a student arrives late, we must report their arrival to Cambridge, and it is up to Cambridge whether to grade the exam. Depending on how late the student arrives, they may be prevented from taking the exam. Students should always report to their testing room, even if late, and the proctor will advise them.

Why does each course have multiple exam dates?

Each AICE course tests multiple skills, areas of focus, and objectives. To assess proficiency, Cambridge divides the test into smaller components (1-5 tests). To earn AICE credit, students must attend all components. This means some students will take 1-5 different exams for the same course.

Why does AICE testing extend beyond the school year?

Cambridge develops its testing calendar independently of the Sarasota County School District calendar. Exams are held in 160 countries, so our schedule does not always align. We notify students and parents/guardians of the exam dates as soon as they are finalized, usually around October 31.

After testing

How and when do I get my results?

Each student will receive an emailed copy of their username, password, and the release date for their results. To ensure this important information is not lost, students are encouraged to:

Take a picture of this information
Forward it to a non-school email, and
Print it out

Results will be available online at 2 a.m. on the date printed. If a student loses the document, they can request a replacement from the AICE Coordinator, but these requests are filled only once a week and therefore might result in a delay in accessing scores.

How and when do I send my results to colleges?

Cambridge offers an online transcript ordering system. Students are encouraged to wait until at least March to order transcripts. Any time after that - once they have decided where they plan to attend college - students should request transcripts for all AICE classes they have taken. This allows both past and upcoming spring results to be sent for a single fee.

Previous results are sent immediately, and spring results are automatically forwarded when they are released in August.

The website and ordering directions are included below.

My tuition is due before AICE scores are released. What do I do?

There are two options for handling tuition while waiting for AICE scores to be released:

Pay upfront: Students can pay for their first semester and then be reimbursed once AICE scores are released and Bright Futures is updated. This is usually at least by mid-September, and the family is mailed an actual check for the amount.
Request a payment deferral: Students can contact their college to request a deferral until Bright Futures updates their award with spring scores.

Please note that some students have been dropped from classes for non-payment if they choose the second option, so it is important to monitor your account closely if you choose to defer payment.

I need to register for my college classes before my scores are released. What should I do?

Colleges typically ask students to enroll in courses as though they will not pass AICE exams. Once scores are available, students can drop unnecessary courses and enroll in higher-level ones. However, it is best to contact your advisor for personalized recommendations.

What if I don't pass enough exams to earn my AICE diploma?

Students cannot retake failed exams after graduation. Cambridge does not allow retakes, and Bright Futures will not accept any retaken exams toward the AICE Diploma.

To reduce risk, students are encouraged to take more than the required seven AICE courses so they are not relying on passing every exam in their senior year. Students should also focus on maintaining a strong GPA and consider retaking the SAT/ACT to qualify for Bright Futures through that pathway if needed.

Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for other scholarships in case they do not qualify for Bright Futures.