Grade descriptions give a general indication of the standards of achievement likely to be shown by candidates awarded particular grades.

To achieve a Grade A, a candidate will be able to show:

AO1:  Knowledge and understanding

• an excellent ability to identify detailed facts, conventions and techniques in relation to the content of the syllabus;
• a thorough ability to define the concepts and ideas of the syllabus.

AO2: Application

• a thorough ability to apply knowledge and understanding, using terms, concepts, theories and methods effectively to address business problems and issues;
• a sound ability to form conclusions from this information and to demonstrate these conclusions clearly and logically.

AO3: Analysis

• an excellent ability to classify and comment on information presented in various forms;
• an excellent ability to distinguish between evidence and opinion.

AO4: Evaluation

• a sound ability to make clear, reasoned judgements and communicate them in an accurate and logical manner.

To achieve a Grade C, a candidate will be able to show:

AO1: Knowledge and understanding

• a sound ability to identify detailed facts, conventions and techniques in relation to the content of the syllabus;
• a sound ability to define the concepts and ideas of the syllabus.

AO2: Application

• an ability to apply knowledge and understanding, using terms, concepts, theories and methods appropriately to address problems and issues;
• an ability to draw conclusions, and to present these in a clear manner.

AO3: Analysis

• a good ability to use and comment on information presented in various forms;
• a sound ability to distinguish between evidence and opinion.

AO4: Evaluation

• an ability to evaluate and make reasoned judgements.

To achieve a Grade F, a candidate will be able to show:

AO1: Knowledge and understanding

• some ability to identify specific facts, conventions or techniques in relation to the content of the syllabus;
• some familiarity with definitions of the central concepts and ideas of the syllabus.

AO2: Application

• a rudimentary ability to apply knowledge and understanding, using terms, concepts, theories and methods appropriately to address problems and issues.

AO3: Analysis

• some ability to classify and present data in a simple way and some ability to select relevant information from a set of data;
• some ability to distinguish between evidence and opinion.

AO4: Evaluation

• a limited ability to understand implications and make recommendations.