Unlike national examinations such as PSLE and O-Levels, which assess students already familiar with Singapore’s education system, the AEIS exam is designed for students entering the system for the first time. As a result, it places greater emphasis on English comprehension, adapting to local academic expectations, and understanding unfamiliar question formats.

For most parents, PSLE is the more relevant comparison point, as many AEIS candidates are of primary school age. While O-Levels apply to older students, they are mentioned less frequently in AEIS discussions because transition challenges tend to be more pronounced at the primary level.

That said, some preparation principles remain similar across major examinations. Building exam confidence, strengthening foundations, and helping students manage time pressure are skills that develop gradually rather than through last-minute drilling.

Parents who are familiar with local examinations may find it helpful to see how these principles are applied through Singapore’s national exams. This PSLE and O-Level tuition guide explains how confidence-building and pacing strategies are developed for major exams, many of which can be thoughtfully adapted for AEIS preparation as well.

For secondary-level students who may not secure placement through the main AEIS intake, some families also explore SPERS-Sec as an alternative pathway at a later stage.