Business · XBS11 / YBS11

How International A level Business works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level Business.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level Business is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XBS11) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YBS11) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WBS11	Marketing and people	AS	October, January and June
Unit 2	WBS12	Managing business activities	AS	October, January and June
Unit 3	WBS13	Business decisions and strategy	A2	October, January and June
Unit 4	WBS14	Global business	A2	October, January and June

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in Business. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XBS11).

Answer: The International AS in Business (XBS11); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YBS11).

Key idea: International AS Business = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XBS11). Full International A level = all 4 units (YBS11). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in Business?
- XBS11
- YBS11
- ZBS11
- WBS11
Show answer
YBS11. YBS11 is the full International A level; XBS11 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in Business?
- YBS11
- WBS11
- QBS11
- XBS11
Show answer
XBS11. XBS11 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in Business?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit Business Unit 1 (Marketing and people)?
- January and June only
- June only
- October, January and June
- January only
Show answer
October, January and June. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: October, January and June.
Which Business unit has the code WBS12?
- Unit 2
- Unit 1
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WBS12 is Unit 2: Managing business activities.

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Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.