What Is CAS and Why Does It Matter?
CAS, short for Creativity, Activity, and Service, is a core requirement of the IB Diploma Programme. It’s designed to develop well-rounded students through real-world experiences that go beyond academics.
But here’s the critical point: CAS is not optional. You can’t get the diploma without it.
❌ So... Can You Fail CAS and Still Get the Diploma?
No. If you fail CAS, you will not receive the IB Diploma.
Even if you ace all your exams and Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK), failure to meet CAS requirements will disqualify you from being awarded the diploma.
✅ What Are the Basic CAS Requirements?
To pass CAS, you must:
- Engage in a range of experiences across Creativity, Activity, and Service.
- Complete a CAS project that lasts at least one month.
- Provide evidence and reflections showing that you’ve met all 7 CAS learning outcomes.
- Log your progress regularly and get approval from your CAS coordinator.
It’s not about hours—it’s about quality of engagement, personal growth, and self-reflection.
📘 What Happens If You Don't Meet CAS Requirements?
If you:
- Don’t provide evidence of learning outcomes
- Skip your CAS project
- Fail to document your activities with real reflections
Then your CAS record will be marked incomplete. The IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) will label your status as “No Diploma,” even if you pass every other element of the IB programme.
💡 Can You Still Get Something Without CAS?
Yes. If you meet all other academic requirements but fail CAS, you can receive IB course certificates for individual subjects. But you’ll miss out on the full diploma—and many universities require the complete IB Diploma for entry.
🔄 Can You Fix a Failed CAS?
Yes, in some cases. If you’re flagged for CAS failure before final grades are submitted, your school may allow you to submit missing reflections or evidence. If accepted, the diploma can still be awarded.
However, if it's too late, you might need to complete your CAS in the following year to receive your diploma retroactively.
🎓 Pro Tip: How to Avoid Failing CAS
Here’s what smart IB students do:
- Start CAS early in Year 1 and log experiences consistently.
- Don’t wait until deadlines—spread your reflections throughout the two years.
- Make sure your CAS project is approved and documented.
- Reflect on each activity and link it to at least one of the seven learning outcomes.
- Stay in touch with your CAS coordinator and get feedback regularly.
🔍 7 CAS Learning Outcomes You Must Demonstrate
- Identify your strengths and develop areas for growth
- Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken
- Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
- Show commitment and perseverance
- Demonstrate the skills of collaboration
- Engage with issues of global significance
- Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
You must demonstrate evidence for all seven—or risk failing CAS.
🚀 Make CAS Easy with RevisionDojo
Struggling to track your CAS experiences or write high-quality reflections?
Visit RevisionDojo for expert resources, examples, and tools that make CAS stress-free. From approved project ideas to reflection templates that hit all 7 learning outcomes, RevisionDojo is your shortcut to CAS success—and your IB Diploma.
🔁 FAQs: CAS and the Diploma
Q: Is there a minimum number of hours for CAS?
A: No. The IB removed hour requirements. Focus is now on variety, depth, and reflection—not quantity.
Q: Will IB warn me before failing CAS?
A: Your school coordinator is responsible for monitoring your progress. They should notify you if you’re at risk of not meeting the requirements.
Q: Can I redo CAS after graduation?
A: Yes, you may be allowed to complete your CAS after your final exams to become eligible for the diploma later.
Q: Does every university care about the full diploma?
A: Most top universities prefer or require the full IB Diploma, especially in the UK, Canada, and Europe.
🏁 Final Verdict
Failing CAS = No Diploma.
Don’t let this crucial core requirement slip under your radar. It may not be graded, but it’s absolutely essential. Treat CAS with the same commitment as your EE or TOK—and use tools like RevisionDojo to stay ahead of the curve.
Want to make sure your CAS meets all the IB criteria?
👉 Visit RevisionDojo.com and make CAS the easiest part of your IB journey.
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