How Much Practical Work Is There in A Level Chemistry?
How Much Practical Work Is There in A Level Chemistry?
Created:Updated: 17-September-2025
Wondering how much practical work is required for A Level Chemistry?
Practical skills are a core part of the course. They’re assessed in your written exams and (optionally) through the Practical Endorsement.
Required practicals
The AQA Chemistry (7405) specification includes 12 required practicals. These cover techniques such as:
- Titration and making standard solutions
- Measuring energy changes (calorimetry)
- Testing for ions and organic functional groups
- Rates of reaction experiments
- Electrochemical cells
- Distillation, recrystallisation and melting point determination
- Chromatography and qualitative analysis
Every student must be taught these core experiments. Exam questions will test your understanding—even if you don’t complete them in person.
The Practical Endorsement
Separate from your grade, you can earn a “Pass” in the Practical Skills Endorsement by completing the required experiments at an approved exam centre.
This endorsement is not graded but appears on your certificate as “Pass” or “Not Classified.” Many universities require it for entry into science-based degrees such as Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
Do I need the Practical Endorsement?
Assessment of practical skills
Even if you don’t complete the endorsement, your understanding of practical methods is tested in the written papers:
- Papers 1 & 2: Questions on experimental methods, accuracy and techniques
- Paper 3: Practical skills, data analysis and multiple-choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do the Practical Endorsement to pass A Level Chemistry?
No. You can still gain an A*–E grade without it, but some universities require the endorsement.
How long does the Practical Endorsement take?
Centres usually run it as a 3–5 day lab course where you complete all 12 practicals.
Can I add the endorsement later?
Yes. You can complete the Practical Endorsement in a later year if you didn’t do it alongside your main exam entry.