What it is
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized curriculum offered at IB World Schools. It runs across four programmes by age, and its famous Diploma Programme (DP) — a rigorous two-year course for grades 11–12 — is respected by universities worldwide. It emphasizes depth, critical thinking, writing, and international-mindedness.
Format & structure
- Primary Years Programme (PYP)Ages 3–12 — inquiry-based learning
- Middle Years Programme (MYP)Ages 11–16 — a broad, connected curriculum
- Diploma Programme (DP)Ages 16–19 — the two-year, exam-based diploma: six subjects (one from each group — language & literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts), three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), plus the core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
- Career-related Programme (CP)Ages 16–19 — DP courses combined with career-focused study
How it's scored
In the Diploma Programme, each of the six subjects is graded 1–7 (7 highest), for up to 42 points. The core (TOK + Extended Essay) adds up to 3 bonus points via a matrix, for a maximum total of 45. To earn the full IB Diploma, a student needs at least 24 points plus other conditions (completing CAS, meeting minimums across HL/SL, and no failing conditions). Individual courses can also be taken for certificates.
Registration & cost
Students take the IB through an authorized IB World School — you don't register independently; your school's DP coordinator handles exam registration and fees. Check whether your school offers the full Diploma or individual courses.
Test dates & timing
DP exams are held in two sessions a year — May (mainly Northern Hemisphere schools) and November (mainly Southern Hemisphere). Internal assessments and coursework are completed across the two years.
How to prepare
- Lean on your teachers and coordinatorThe DP is coursework-driven — steady work across two years matters most
- Start the Extended Essay earlyIt's a major independent research paper — don't leave it late
- Balance HL and SL loadManage the workload across six subjects plus the core
- Use official IB resourcesSubject guides and past-paper practice from your school
Strategies & tips
- Track all the passing conditionsNot just the 24-point total — CAS, HL/SL minimums, and TOK/EE all matter
- Pick HL subjects to your strengths (and university plans)Some programs want specific HL subjects
- Don't neglect the coreTOK and the EE can swing up to 3 points — and can fail a diploma
- Plan community service (CAS)It's required, and in some places tied to scholarships
How scores are used
Universities worldwide accept the IB Diploma for admission and college credit/advanced standing (each sets its own policy — often HL scores of 5–7 earn credit). In Florida, an IB Diploma plus community-service hours can qualify students for the Bright Futures scholarship, and public universities award credit for qualifying IB exams. The DP is widely seen as strong preparation for university rigor.
Accommodations & support
The IB provides inclusive assessment arrangements for students with documented needs, coordinated through the school's DP coordinator and the IB.
Frequently asked questions
- What score do I need to pass?At least 24 of 45 points, plus completing CAS and meeting the other conditions.
- How do the extra 3 points work?TOK and the Extended Essay combine on a matrix for up to 3 bonus points.
- IB or AP?IB is a full two-year diploma programme; AP is individual course exams — many students and schools use one or the other (or mix courses).
- Can I take single IB courses?Yes — you can earn course certificates without the full diploma.
- When are exams?May and November sessions.
Key facts
- WhatInternational curriculum & exams (IB Organization)
- ProgrammesPYP · MYP · Diploma (DP) · Career (CP)
- DP subjects6 groups + core (TOK, EE, CAS)
- ScoreOut of 45 (24+ to pass)
- SessionsMay & November
- Used forUniversity admission & credit worldwide
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your school: