The raw mark is the number of marks a learner achieved on an exam or assessment.

The UMS mark (Uniform Mark Scale mark) or points score is a conversion of the raw mark.

For some of our qualifications, components can be taken at different times throughout the course. For example, some of our Edexcel A level Mathematics exams can be completed in the first or second year of study.

To make sure that any differences in the difficulty of exams or assessments are taken into account when adding up your marks to give an overall grade, we convert the ‘raw’ or exam paper mark into a UMS mark.

UMS grade boundaries are fixed so they are the same for each exam session. Raw mark grade boundaries may change for each exam session.

The raw mark is never shown on your results slip, so students will either see a UMS mark, a points score or no numerical mark at all.

Exams officers can find the raw mark on the 'Component Mark List' report from Edexcel Online. If you have access to ResultsPlus or ResultsPlus Direct, you can also find the raw mark on the question paper screen.