Studying A Level Physics online or as a private candidate and wondering how the practicals work? This guide explains what the required practicals are, how the practical endorsement is awarded, and how to arrange your lab sessions.

What Are the Required Practicals?

For AQA A Level Physics (7408), you must complete a programme of required practical activities assessed against the CPAC (Common Practical Assessment Criteria). These activities develop core skills such as planning, safe use of apparatus, making/recording observations, data analysis and evaluation.

The practical component is reported separately on your certificate as Pass or Not Classified and does not change your exam grade. Many STEM degrees expect or require a Pass in the endorsement. Do I need the practical endorsement?

How Private Candidates Complete the Practicals

As a private candidate, you’ll book lab sessions with an approved centre or specialist provider that accepts private candidates. Sessions are usually delivered as intensive lab days or a short block across several days.

• Booking: Places are limited. Contact providers months in advance (autumn/winter for summer exams).
• Evidence: You’ll keep a lab book/record sheets; a teacher assesses you against CPAC and signs off your evidence.
• Outcome: If you meet CPAC consistently, the centre awards a Pass for the endorsement.

Use the JCQ directory to find centres: JCQ Private Candidate Finder.

What’s Typically Covered?

Providers deliver a programme that covers required techniques across mechanics, electricity, waves, materials and fields. Typical activities include precision timing and motion, electrical investigations (e.g., IV characteristics, internal resistance, resistivity), wave/interference experiments, materials testing (e.g., stretching wire/Young’s modulus), and experiments involving exponential change (e.g., capacitors/SHM). Exact activities and sequencing vary by centre—ask for their schedule.

What to Bring & How to Prepare

• Photo ID and your booking confirmation.
• Pen, ruler, calculator, and any pre-reading your provider sets.
• Clothing suitable for a lab (tie long hair back; avoid loose sleeves/jewellery).
• Revise uncertainties, significant figures, graphing (gradients/intercepts), and evaluation of methods—these are common CPAC skills.

Check exam-day equipment rules here: Calculator & formula sheet guide.

Costs & Timelines

• Fees: The endorsement is charged separately by the provider (often several hundred pounds). Budget for travel/accommodation if needed.
• Timing: Many providers run sessions between January–April for summer candidates—book early.
• Exams: Your written exams are booked separately with an exam centre. Find an exam centre.

More about exam & practical fees.

FAQs

Do I need the endorsement to pass A Level Physics?
No—you can receive a Physics grade without it, but many STEM degrees expect a Pass. Check university entry requirements.

Can I carry forward a previous Pass?
Often yes—many centres allow a prior practical Pass to be carried forward when you re-enter the qualification. Confirm with your chosen centre and AQA.

What if I can’t find a nearby provider?
Some centres run intensive blocks for private candidates; be prepared to travel. We can advise on options.

What happens during assessment?
You’ll be observed completing practical tasks, keeping records, and analysing data. The teacher judges whether you’ve met CPAC consistently across the programme.

When should I book?
As early as possible—ideally 6+ months before your exam series, especially if you’re travelling or need specific dates.

Next Steps

Decide if you need the endorsement, secure your provider, and line up your exam centre. For planning help, try: Do I need the practical endorsement? · Find an exam centre · How to prepare for A Level Physics.