What is AICE?
The Advanced International Certificate of Education program (AICE) is an innovative and accelerated method of academic study offered solely through the Cambridge Assessment International Education, a division of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom--an institution consistently ranked as one of the top five academic universities in the world.  AICE provides a flexible, broad-based curriculum that is offered worldwide at schools and colleges in over 161 countries.  For over 170 years the prestigious University of Cambridge has been setting worldwide curriculum standards through their examinations.

Why are AICE courses and the AICE Diploma important?
American universities have responded enthusiastically to AICE. The Florida Legislature has identified AICE as a graduation option and acceleration mechanism through which students can be awarded up to 45 hours of college credit at all public universities and colleges in Florida.  Students earning the AICE Diploma currently qualify for the maximum Florida Academic Scholars tuition scholarship, and students completing the curriculum (without earning the diploma) may earn the Florida Medallion Scholars tuition award. 

Why should students enroll in AICE courses?
The AICE program of study at Martin County High School offers students one of the most demanding and rigorous college preparatory programs in the world. After completing at least one course in each of three academic areas, students have the flexibility to choose a course of study that best meets their abilities and interests. Students also have the option of taking AICE courses and their subsequent exams in order to earn college credits without applying for the AICE Diploma. Regardless of the option chosen, enrollment in these rigorous courses will benefit MCHS students in the college application process.

To participate in the AICE program, students must meet the following expectations:

• A Level 3 or higher on the FAST assessment

• Strong academic performance in current coursework

• 90% or better attendance

• No major disciplinary infractions

These requirements help ensure students are prepared for the rigor and independence of AICE coursework.

Students enrolled in an AICE course are required to sit for the corresponding Cambridge AICE exam. Most AICE exams are administered over two to three days, and students must attend all scheduled testing sessions for a given subject in order to earn a score.

The AICE testing calendar is set by Cambridge University and is not determined by MCHS, making testing dates inflexible. Most AICE exams emphasize strong writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills, requiring students to explain ideas clearly, evaluate evidence, and construct well-supported responses.

To earn the Cambridge AICE Diploma, students must pass seven Cambridge AICE exams within the approved diploma framework. These must include:

• One Language exam passed

• One Science exam passed

• One Humanities exam passed

• Cambridge AICE Global Perspectives & Research (required core course)

The remaining exams may come from approved AICE subject areas.
For students graduating in 2026, the AICE Diploma must be completed within three years.
For students graduating in May 2027 and beyond, the diploma may be completed over four years.

Students who earn the Cambridge AICE Diploma qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship without the SAT or ACT score requirement, which is often the primary barrier preventing students from earning the scholarship.

Students must still meet all other Bright Futures requirements, including:

• Required high school coursework

• Minimum GPA

• Documented community service or paid work hours