Introduction
One of the most common questions IB Computer Science students ask is: “How long does the IA take to finish?” The Internal Assessment (IA) is a major project worth 30% of your grade at SL and 20% at HL, so time management is crucial. The truth is, the IA takes weeks of structured work rather than a weekend of rushed coding.
In this article, we’ll break down the realistic time you’ll need, how to structure your workflow, and how RevisionDojo can help you stay on track.
Quick Start Checklist
Here’s a rough timeline for the IA:
- Planning and Client Consultation: 2–3 weeks
- Design Documentation: 2 weeks
- Development and Coding: 4–6 weeks
- Testing and Evaluation: 2 weeks
- Final Refinements: 1–2 weeks
On average, expect to spend 10–12 weeks from start to finish.
Why the IA Takes Time
Unlike a normal coding assignment, the IA is not judged only on whether your program works. The IB rubric emphasizes:
- Problem identification and client requirements
- Design and planning documentation
- Development and coding process
- Testing with evidence
- Evaluation and client feedback
Each of these sections requires evidence, not just results. That’s why even if your coding is fast, the documentation takes significant time.
Detailed Breakdown
1. Planning and Client Consultation (2–3 weeks)
You’ll need to interview your client, understand their needs, and document the requirements. Skipping this stage leads to weak IA evidence.
2. Design Documentation (2 weeks)
Creating flowcharts, UML diagrams, data structure choices, and success criteria. Many students underestimate this stage, but it carries heavy marks.
3. Development and Coding (4–6 weeks)
This is the most time-consuming part, but the length depends on project complexity. If you already know Python or Java, coding may be faster — but integration and debugging always take longer than expected.
4. Testing and Evaluation (2 weeks)
You must test your program with normal, boundary, and abnormal cases, plus involve the client. Screenshots and test evidence take time to compile.
5. Final Refinements (1–2 weeks)
Polishing documentation, checking alignment with the rubric, and making sure nothing is missing.
Common Mistakes with IA Timing
- Leaving everything until the last month — results in rushed documentation.
- Over-developing features — focusing on extra coding instead of meeting rubric criteria.
- Ignoring client feedback early — makes it hard to demonstrate authentic consultation.
How RevisionDojo Helps You Stay on Schedule
RevisionDojo offers IA timeline planners that break the project into weekly goals. With our checklists, you’ll know exactly when to conduct client interviews, when to document design choices, and when to focus on testing. This prevents procrastination and ensures you finish on time without last-minute stress.
FAQs
Q: Can I finish the IA in one month if I start late?
Technically, yes, but your documentation will likely suffer. Without time for multiple client interactions, testing, and evaluation, your grade may be capped. A longer, structured timeline is safer.
Q: How many hours per week should I spend on the IA?
Aim for 3–5 focused hours per week. Spreading out the work ensures better quality and less stress.
Q: Does the IA length vary for SL and HL?
The workload is similar, but HL students are expected to demonstrate slightly higher complexity. The timeline, however, is roughly the same.
Conclusion
Finishing the IB Computer Science IA takes around 10–12 weeks with steady, organized effort. The key is balancing coding with documentation and client involvement. Students who start early and spread their work across phases achieve stronger results than those who rush in the final month.
With RevisionDojo’s IA planners and rubric-based checklists, you can manage your time effectively and submit an IA that not only works but scores a 7.
