Can You Get a 2 on an IB HL Test and Still Get Your Diploma? – What the IB Rules Say

✅ Quick Answer: No—Scoring a 2 in a Higher Level (HL) Subject Can Disqualify You from Earning the Full IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has strict conditions for awarding the IB Diploma, and a 2 in an HL subject usually results in disqualification—unless specific criteria are still met in rare cases.

📘 IB Diploma Award Requirements (As of 2024)

To receive the full IB Diploma, students must meet the following key criteria:

🧾 Core Requirements

• Submit a passing Extended Essay (EE)
• Complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK) with at least a D grade
• Fulfill CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) expectations

📊 Point Total

• Score at least 24 total points across all 6 subjects

⚠️ Subject-Specific Minimums

• No "N" (no grade awarded) in any subject
• At least a 3 in all HL subjects
• No more than one score of 2 at SL
• No more than three scores of 3 or below in total

So yes—scoring a 2 in an HL subject means you fail the diploma, even if your total points are 24 or higher.

💡 What Happens If You Score a 2 in HL?

❌ You Will Not Earn the IB Diploma If:

• You score a 2 in any HL subject, even with 24+ total points
• You fail to meet core requirements (EE, TOK, CAS)

✅ You May Still Earn:

• IB Certificates for the individual subjects you passed
• The option to resit the HL exam in the next session (May or November)

🧠 What to Do If You’re at Risk of Scoring a 2

• Talk to your IB coordinator and subject teacher immediately
• Use targeted revision tools like RevisionDojo to improve your HL understanding
• Consider resitting the HL exam if you’ve already received your results

🚀 Avoid Low HL Scores with Help from RevisionDojo

Struggling in an HL subject? RevisionDojo can help you raise your score with:

• ✅ Subject-specific HL exam walkthroughs
• ✅ Internal Assessment guides
• ✅ Extended Essay and TOK templates
• ✅ Retake planning and grade improvement strategies

👉 Visit RevisionDojo and take control of your HL scores before it’s too late.

❓ FAQs: IB HL Scoring and Diploma Eligibility

Can I retake an HL exam after scoring a 2?

Yes—you can retake HL exams in the next exam session (November or May) to improve your score and qualify for the diploma.

Can I get a 2 in SL and still pass?

Only one SL subject can receive a 2—and only if your total points and other subject scores meet the diploma rules.

Can a high EE or TOK score save me from a 2 in HL?

No—regardless of core points, a 2 in any HL subject disqualifies you from the diploma.

📘 Final Verdict

No, you cannot receive the IB Diploma with a 2 in an HL subject. The IB places a strong emphasis on HL performance to ensure students demonstrate sufficient academic depth. However, with the right support and a retake, you can recover and still meet your goals.