If you didn’t get the IB score you hoped for—don’t worry. You’re not stuck with it forever. Yes, you can retake an IB exam, and many students do so to improve their results for university applications, diploma completion, or personal achievement.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about retaking IB exams, from eligibility and timing to strategy and preparation.
Can You Retake an IB Exam?
Yes, IB allows students to resit their exams in the same subject, level (SL or HL), and component.
- You can retake one subject or multiple
- It can be in the next available session (May or November) or a future one
- You keep the best result—the higher of your original or retake score counts
Who Should Consider an IB Retake?
You might consider retaking if:
- You narrowly missed your university offer
- You failed the IB Diploma (less than 24 points)
- You want to convert a 5 into a 6 or 7 for competitive programs
- You believe you underperformed due to stress, illness, or other factors
When Can You Retake an IB Exam?
IB exams are offered twice a year:
- May session (registration in the previous October/November)
- November session (registration in May/June)
Most students take their first exam in May and retake in November if needed.
How Many Times Can You Retake an IB Exam?
- You can attempt IB exams up to three times over a three-year period.
- You must register through an IB school (can be the original school or another authorized one).
What Does Retaking Involve?
- You’ll resit the exam papers—your IA scores can be reused, unless you choose to redo them
- You don’t need to attend regular classes again, but studying independently or through a tutor is essential
- Your final diploma status will be recalculated based on your new scores
Does Retaking an IB Exam Affect University Applications?
It depends:
- Some universities accept improved scores with no penalty
- Others may require your first session results
- Always check with the university to understand their retake policies
How Much Does It Cost to Retake an IB Exam?
Costs vary by country and school, but typical fees include:
- Subject fee: Around $100–$200 USD per subject
- Registration fee: Around $120–$200 USD
- Additional fees may apply if using a different IB school or requesting remarking
How to Prepare for an IB Exam Retake
To succeed, you need a smarter, not harder, approach:
- Review your examiners' report or feedback (if available)
- Focus on weak papers or sections that cost you marks
- Create a focused revision plan with timed practice
- Use ethical study tools like RevisionDojo for structured prep
- Join online communities or forums to stay accountable
Why RevisionDojo Is Perfect for IB Exam Retakes
RevisionDojo supports IB students who are retaking exams with specialized features:
- AI-powered diagnostics to show where you lost marks
- Tailored practice for Paper 1, 2, and 3 by subject
- Guides for improving IA performance if needed
- Fully aligned with the 2025 and 2026 syllabus updates
- Ethical and exam-board compliant—no shortcuts, no leaks
Try it here: RevisionDojo IB Retake Tools
FAQs About Retaking IB Exams
Q1: Can I retake just one paper in a subject?
No. You must retake all external assessments for that subject, though you can usually reuse your IA.
Q2: Will my old score disappear?
No. Both scores will appear, but the higher one is used for diploma awarding.
Q3: Can I change my level (SL to HL) during a retake?
Only if the subject allows it and your school approves. It counts as a new subject, not a retake.
Q4: Is it worth retaking for a 1- or 2-point increase?
It depends on your university goals and personal motivation. Even 1 point can matter.
Q5: Can I retake exams if I already received my diploma?
Yes. You can retake subjects to improve your score even if you've passed the diploma.
Q6: What’s the best way to revise for a retake?
Use RevisionDojo to identify weak spots, practice under time pressure, and build a confident review plan.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Retake—Just Do It Smart
Retaking an IB exam is not a failure—it’s a second chance. With clear goals, a structured plan, and tools like RevisionDojo, you can significantly improve your score and open new doors for university and beyond.
Ready to take control of your IB journey? Start now with the right mindset and the best tools.
