18/08/2026
Got your raw Cambridge script back and have no idea what all those stamps, abbreviations, and symbols mean? 👀📄
When examiners mark CAIE papers (mostly via on-screen marking software like RM Assessor), they use standardized digital stamps and notations.
Core Marking Stamps & Symbols
* Tick (\checkmark): A valid marking point or correct response that satisfies the mark scheme. In many subjects, 1 tick = 1 mark awarded.
* Cross (\times): Incorrect answer, misconception, or a required marking point was missed.
* SEEN: The examiner has viewed and read the page or section. Examiners are required to stamp this on blank answer pages, crossed-out work, or continued pages to verify nothing was overlooked. It awards zero marks.
* BOD (Benefit of Doubt): The wording is slightly ambiguous or borderline, but the examiner gave you credit.
* NBOD (No Benefit of Doubt): The response is too ambiguous or incomplete to justify awarding the mark.
Accuracy & Method Codes (Sciences & Math)
* M / A / B Marks:
* M: Method mark (correct working, even if calculation fails).
* A: Accuracy mark (correct value derived from correct method).
* B: Independent mark (standalone fact or correct value without working).
* ECF / FT: Error Carried Forward / Follow-Through—you made an earlier mistake, but your subsequent method was fully correct based on that wrong value.
* SF / AE / EE: Significant Figure, Arithmetic Error, or Ex*****on Error penalties.
* Omission / Caret (\wedge): A crucial step, keyword, or unit was left out.
Essay & Subject-Specific Stamps
* TV (Too Vague): The statement lacks precision or depth to trigger the mark scheme point.
* IRRL / NAQ: Irrelevant or Not Answering Question—writing extra material that does not address the prompt.
* REP: Repetition of an earlier point (does not gain additional marks).
* DEV / EXP: Point successfully Developed or Explained.
* KU / AN / EV: Marks indicating Assessment Objectives: Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis, or Evaluation (common in Economics, Business, and Humanities).
Save this guide to decode your marked scripts or post-result reviews! 💡