IGCSE ICT (0417) Syllabus: Every Chapter & Topic (2026)

Cambridge IGCSE ICT (0417) is really two subjects in one: a theory side covered in the written papers, and a hands-on practical side where you build documents, databases, spreadsheets, websites and presentations in real software. This complete syllabus map lays out every chapter and every topic across both halves, and each leaf links straight to focused practice so you can revise exactly where you're weakest.

Types & Components of Computer Systems

The foundation chapter: what hardware and software are, and the parts that make up any computer system.

Hardware & Software

• Hardware
• Software
• Analogue & Digital Data

Components of Computer Systems

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Internal Memory
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage

Types of Computer & Emerging Technologies

• Types of Computer
• Emerging Technologies

Networks

How devices connect and communicate — and the security issues that come with being networked.

Networks

• Network Hardware
• Wireless Networks
• Cloud Computing
• Network Environments
• Network Types

Network Issues

• Data Transfer & Passwords
• Authentication
• Anti-Malware Software
• Electronic Conferencing

Effects of Using IT

How everyday IT and microprocessor-controlled devices affect the way we live and work.

• Microprocessor-Controlled Devices
• Health Issues

ICT Applications

Real-world systems that run on IT, from banking and retail to medicine and satellites.

• Communication
• Computer Modelling
• Computer Controlled Systems
• School Management Systems
• Online Booking Systems
• Banking Applications
• Computers in Medicine
• Expert Systems
• Computers in Retail Industry
• Recognition Systems
• Satellite Systems

The Systems Life Cycle

The staged process of analysing, designing, testing and implementing a new computer system.

• Analysis
• Design
• Testing
• System Implementation
• Documentation
• Evaluation

Safety & Security

Keeping people physically safe and keeping data protected — including e-safety and copyright.

Safety

• Physical Safety
• E-Safety: Data
• E-Safety: Using IT

Security

• Threats to Data
• Protection of Data
• Copyright

Communication

How email and the internet work, and the protocols that move data around the web.

• Email
• The Internet
• Internet Protocols

Managing Files & Compression

Choosing the right file format and reducing file size through compression.

Manage Files Effectively

• File Formats

Compression

• Compression

Working with Documents

The first big practical chapter: producing, formatting and proofing professional documents.

Audience & Purpose

• Audience & Purpose

Document Production

• Create & Edit a Document
• Layout
• Formatting
• Headers & Footers
• Corporate House Style
• Tables
• Navigation

Images

• Image Editing
• File Size Reduction

Proofing

• Proofing Tools
• Proofing Techniques

Databases

Building a database structure and using keys, calculations, sorting and searching to manage data.

Create a Database Structure

• Types of Database
• Primary & Foreign Keys
• Perform Calculations
• Sorting & Searching Data
• Form Design

Spreadsheets

Creating a data model with formulae, functions and cell referencing, then presenting the results.

Create a Data Model

• Create & Edit a Spreadsheet
• Formulae & Functions
• Order of Operations
• Cell Referencing
• Present Data
• Search & Select Data

Website Authoring

The three web development layers, and how HTML and CSS split content from presentation.

Web Development Layers

• Layers

HTML in the Content Layer

• HTML

CSS in the Presentation Layer

• CSS

Presentations

Building, editing and outputting a slideshow, including master slides for a consistent look.

• Create a Presentation & Master Slides
• Edit a Presentation
• Output Presentations

How to use this syllabus map

1. Tick off what you know
   Skim every chapter above and mark each leaf topic red, amber or green. This turns a vague "I should revise ICT" into a clear list of gaps.
2. Split theory from practical
   Group your ambers and reds into theory topics (read and define) and practical topics (open the software and do it). They need different study methods.
3. Click through to practice
   Follow each link to focused questions on that exact topic, with instant AI marking so you know whether your definitions and technique are up to standard.
4. Re-test the reds
   Come back a few days later and redo the topics you got wrong. Spaced repetition is what moves a topic from amber to green for good.

FAQ

IGCSE ICT rewards students who respect both halves of the course — the precise language of the theory papers and the confident, evidenced technique of the practical ones. Use this map to see the whole syllabus at a glance, find your gaps, and turn each one into practice until every chapter is green.