Cambridge Technicals UCAS Points Calculator

Quick answer: A Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is worth up to 168 UCAS points (D*D*D*), the same as three A* A-levels; DDD = 144. An Extended Certificate ranges from 16 (P) to 56 (D*). Enter your grades above for your exact total.

Calculate your Cambridge Technicals UCAS points

The calculator at the top of this page turns your OCR Cambridge Technical grades into an exact UCAS Tariff number. Pick your qualification size, choose your grade for each block, and the total updates live — with a plain-English read-back like "that's the same as DDD." You can also add an A-level or EPQ row to see all your qualifications together, or check your separate A-level points.

How to use this Cambridge Technicals points calculator

It takes about thirty seconds. Here is the order to work through:

1. Pick your qualification size. Choose Certificate, Extended Certificate, Introductory Diploma, Diploma, or Extended Diploma — this tells the tool how many grades to expect.
2. Select each grade. Set your D*, D, M, or P for every graded block in that qualification.
3. Add any other Level 3 qualifications. If you also have an A-level or EPQ, add a row so your full total appears in one place. Studying a BTEC instead? Add a BTEC here.
4. Read your exact total. The live number is your UCAS Tariff score, ready to match against course requirements.

Cambridge Technicals UCAS points table (2026 values)

Cambridge Technicals are graded D* (Distinction*), D (Distinction), M (Merit), and P (Pass), and each graded block carries Tariff points. The bigger the qualification, the more graded blocks it has — so an Extended Diploma (three blocks) can reach far more points than an Extended Certificate (one block). The values below mirror the equivalent BTEC sizes exactly, and they have not changed for 2026 entry. For the complete breakdown, see the full Cambridge Technicals reference.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate points

A single Extended Certificate sits on the same scale as one A-level: D* = 56, D = 48, M = 32, P = 16. So a Distinction* here is worth exactly the same as one A* — a strong single result to build a total around.

Cambridge Technical Diploma points

The Diploma is graded across two blocks, so you read your two grades together:

DD at Diploma is 96 points — a realistic, in-range total for plenty of degree courses.

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma points

The Extended Diploma is the largest size, graded across three blocks. This is where you reach A-level-equivalent totals:

D*D*D* is 168 points — the same as three A* grades. See what DDD is worth (144) or DMM points (112) for how these compare grade-for-grade.

Certificate and Introductory Diploma points

The smaller sizes are graded on one block each. The Certificate gives D* = 28, D = 24, M = 16, P = 8. The Introductory Diploma is larger and gives D* = 84, D = 72, M = 48, P = 24 — a useful chunk of points on its own, especially when combined with another qualification.

Worked example: turning Cambridge Technical grades into points

Say you have a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma at DDM. Reading the table above, that is 128 UCAS points — already a solid, realistic total for a wide range of degrees. Now suppose you also completed an EPQ and got a grade A, which is worth 24 points. You simply add the two together:

That gives you 152 points. The key rule: each qualification counts once, so there is no double-counting. You can add an EPQ in the calculator above to see this combine live, then check 128 points explained to see what your Extended Diploma alone unlocks.

How Cambridge Technicals UCAS points are calculated

Your Tariff score is simply the sum of each graded Level 3 block. Cambridge Technicals are Level 3 qualifications, so they carry points — but your GCSEs (Level 2) are worth zero on the Tariff, even though some courses still ask for specific GCSE grades separately. The qualification size decides how many grades feed into the sum: one for an Extended Certificate, two for a Diploma, three for an Extended Diploma. Crucially, the values mirror BTEC point-for-point, so there is nothing extra to learn if you already know the BTEC scale. For the full method, see how the Tariff adds up, and do GCSEs count for the Level 2 detail.

Cambridge Technicals vs BTEC UCAS points

Here is the reassuring part: Cambridge Technicals and BTEC sit on the exact same Tariff scale, with the same value for each size and grade. An Extended Diploma DDD is 144 points whether it says Cambridge Technical or BTEC on the certificate, and D*D*D* is 168 in both. The qualification name does not change your points, so the choice between them rarely affects where you can apply — it is about the subject and the way you like to learn. You can compare with BTEC totals or read what these vocational qualifications are if you want the background.

What your Cambridge Technicals points mean for university

Your Tariff total shows whether you are in range for a course. Many universities — including post-1992 institutions, vocational degrees, and most Clearing places — use UCAS points directly in their offers, so a clear number like 128 or 144 tells you a lot at a glance. That said, some selective courses ask for specific grades or subjects rather than a points total, and a few do not use the Tariff at all. So treat your points as a strong, honest guide, then always read the individual entry requirements. To turn your number into a plan, see how many points you need and whether all universities use points.

See what you can study with your Cambridge Technicals points

Once you have your total, the most useful next step is matching it to real courses. Drop your number into our reverse tool to see courses in range for your score, or explore a specific path such as routes into nursing.

Next steps after working out your points

You have your exact number — now decide what to do with it:

• Short of where you hoped? Here is what to do if you have not got enough points.
• Applying late or in summer? See using your points in Clearing.
• Want to combine results? Run everything through the mixed qualifications calculator.

Helpful for Cambridge Technicals students (supplementary)

Frequently asked questions

How many UCAS points are Cambridge Technicals worth?

It depends on the size and your grades. A Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is worth between 48 points (PPP) and 168 points (D*D*D*). Common totals map like this: DDD = 144, DDM = 128, DMM = 112, and MMM = 96 UCAS points.

How many UCAS points is a Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate?

A single Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate gives you D* = 56, D = 48, M = 32, and P = 16 UCAS points — the same top value as one A* at A-level.

Are Cambridge Technicals the same as BTEC for UCAS points?

Yes, point-for-point. Cambridge Technicals and BTEC sit on the same UCAS Tariff scale, so an Extended Diploma DDD is 144 points in both, and D*D*D* is 168. Your choice between them does not change your points.

Do Cambridge Technicals count for the same points as A-levels?

Yes. On the Tariff, a Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DDD (144) equals AAA at A-level, and D*D*D* (168) equals three A* grades. Some selective courses still ask for specific A-level subjects, so always check the entry requirements.

Can I add my Cambridge Technicals and A-level points together?

Yes. The Tariff is the sum of each Level 3 qualification, so you add your Cambridge Technicals points to your A-level and EPQ points — just do not count the same subject twice. Use the calculator above to combine them.

Are the 2026 Cambridge Technicals points different from previous years?

No. UCAS Tariff values have been stable since 2017 and are unchanged for 2026 entry. Cambridge Technicals carry the same points as the equivalent BTEC sizes they sit alongside.