How Schools Can Become Authorized to Offer the IB Career-related Programme

Becoming an IB World School that offers the Career-related Programme (CP) is an exciting opportunity for institutions that want to expand their educational offerings and meet the needs of diverse learners.

The authorization process ensures that schools are fully prepared to deliver the CP according to the International Baccalaureate’s standards — combining academic rigor, career-related learning, and holistic development.

While the process requires planning, training, and evaluation, it also leads to lasting benefits: stronger student engagement, global recognition, and a community of reflective educators.

Quick Start Checklist: Steps to IB CP Authorization

Understand the CP philosophy and framework.
Secure school leadership approval and community support.
Submit an Application for Candidacy to the IB.
Train staff through IB-approved professional development.
Prepare required policies, resources, and documentation.
Host a Verification Visit from IB evaluators.
Receive authorization and join the global IB network.

Each stage ensures that your school is ready to implement the CP with quality and confidence.

1. Why Schools Choose to Offer the CP

Schools introduce the IB Career-related Programme for several reasons:

To meet the needs of students seeking practical, career-oriented learning.
To retain learners who might otherwise pursue vocational alternatives.
To strengthen community and industry partnerships.
To offer an IB pathway that integrates with the DP and MYP.
To enhance global recognition and university access for graduates.

The CP also allows schools to differentiate their curriculum while maintaining the IB’s standards of academic and ethical excellence.

2. Understanding the IB Career-related Programme Framework

Before applying, school leaders should ensure they fully understand the CP’s structure:

DP Courses: At least two IB Diploma Programme subjects.
Career-related Study (CRS): A specialized vocational or industry-based course.
The CP Core: Four interconnected components — Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Reflective Project, and Language and Cultural Studies.

The CP aims to help students develop academic understanding, practical skills, and ethical reflection — all within an internationally recognized framework.

3. The IB Authorization Process at a Glance

The path to offering the CP follows a clear, standardized process across all IB regions:

Stage 1: Consideration and Preparation

Schools begin by learning about the CP through:

IB documentation and coordinator handbooks.
Regional IB workshops or conferences.
Consultation with existing IB World Schools.

This stage helps schools decide if the CP aligns with their mission and capacity.

Stage 2: Application for Candidacy

Once a school decides to proceed, it submits an Application for Candidacy to the IB.
This step includes:

A review of school vision and resources.
An outline of proposed CRS partnerships.
Commitment to IB philosophy and policies.

After approval, the school becomes an IB Candidate School and begins formal preparation.

Stage 3: Candidate Phase

During this phase, schools:

Develop the CP curriculum structure.
Begin implementing IB-aligned teaching practices.
Train key staff in IB workshops.
Create or adapt required policies (academic honesty, inclusion, assessment, language, etc.).
Build relationships with potential CRS providers.

Schools are expected to gather evidence of readiness throughout this phase.

Stage 4: Application for Authorization

When the school feels prepared, it submits an Application for Authorization, including:

Documentation of curriculum plans.
Records of staff training.
Details about CRS and partnerships.
Evidence of student support structures.

The IB reviews the application before scheduling a verification visit.

Stage 5: Verification Visit

A team of IB evaluators visits the school (virtually or in person) to:

Review curriculum plans and student resources.
Interview administrators, teachers, and students.
Observe classrooms and facilities.
Verify that the school meets all IB standards and practices.

This visit is collaborative — its goal is to support improvement, not just evaluation.

Stage 6: Authorization

If the school successfully meets IB requirements, it receives official authorization to offer the Career-related Programme and becomes an IB World School.
From here, it can begin student enrollment and CP delivery.

4. IB Standards and Practices for the CP

To maintain quality and consistency, the IB requires schools to meet specific Standards and Practices during and after authorization.

These focus on three key areas:

Philosophy – alignment with IB mission, values, and learner profile.
Organization – leadership, governance, and resource support.
Curriculum – teaching, assessment, and student-centered learning.

Regular evaluations (typically every five years) ensure ongoing adherence and professional growth.

5. Professional Development and Staff Training

Every school applying for CP authorization must ensure its teachers and coordinators complete IB-recognized professional development workshops.

Typical training includes:

CP Category 1 workshops: Foundational understanding of the CP framework.
DP subject training: For teachers delivering the Diploma courses.
Core component workshops: For PPS, Reflective Project, and Community Engagement coordinators.
Leadership training: For school heads and IB coordinators.

These sessions empower staff to deliver the CP with confidence and fidelity to IB principles.

6. Partnering with Career-related Study (CRS) Providers

Schools can choose CRS options that suit their context, but they must ensure partnerships meet IB quality standards.

CRS providers can include:

International organizations (e.g., BTEC, Microsoft, SCAD, WAoS).
Local technical colleges or universities.
In-house programs aligned with IB CRS criteria.

Schools must confirm that CRS courses are:

Professionally relevant and appropriately rigorous.
Assessed using valid, transparent methods.
Supportive of the IB’s focus on reflection, ethics, and transferable skills.

A strong CRS partnership is essential for both authorization and long-term success.

7. Building a Supportive School Community

Launching the CP is most effective when students, parents, and teachers understand its benefits.
Schools should communicate clearly how the CP:

Integrates with existing DP or MYP pathways.
Expands post-graduation options.
Combines academic learning with real-world preparation.

Information sessions, open houses, and student testimonials help create enthusiasm and understanding across the community.

8. Common Challenges During Authorization

Many schools face similar challenges when implementing the CP for the first time:

Aligning CRS choices with student interests and local industries.
Recruiting qualified teachers for both DP and CRS components.
Balancing academic and career-focused scheduling.
Ensuring access to appropriate facilities and technology.
Managing workload and communication across staff teams.

The IB provides guidance and mentorship to help candidate schools overcome these issues and develop sustainable CP programs.

9. Post-Authorization: Continuous Improvement

After authorization, schools enter a phase of implementation and reflection.
They are encouraged to:

Review outcomes annually.
Gather student and parent feedback.
Update resources as CRS or DP options evolve.
Participate in ongoing IB workshops and regional conferences.

This commitment to reflection and innovation is central to the IB philosophy — ensuring the CP remains relevant and effective for years to come.

10. The Long-Term Benefits of Offering the CP

Becoming a CP-authorized school brings tangible advantages:

Increased student engagement and retention.
Expanded career and university pathways for learners.
Professional growth for teachers and leaders.
Enhanced school reputation through global recognition.
Membership in a global network of IB World Schools that collaborate and share best practices.

Schools that offer the CP often report stronger community connections and a culture of innovation that benefits the entire institution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does IB CP authorization take?
Typically, 18–24 months from initial inquiry to authorization, depending on school readiness and resource availability.

2. Can a school offer the CP without offering the DP?
Yes. While many CP schools also offer the DP, it is not required — though they must partner with an authorized DP school to access DP courses.

3. How much does the authorization process cost?
Fees vary by region, but schools should budget for IB application costs, staff training, and CRS partnership development.

4. What qualifications must CP teachers have?
Teachers must hold recognized teaching credentials and complete IB-accredited professional development.

5. Is the CP suitable for all types of schools?
Yes. The CP works well in both international and national schools — especially those interested in combining academic and career-focused learning.

Conclusion: Opening New Pathways Through IB Authorization

Becoming authorized to offer the IB Career-related Programme (CP) is a significant milestone for any school.
It signals a commitment to innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning, empowering students to connect their studies with meaningful futures.

The process takes time and dedication — but the rewards are lasting: a community of engaged learners, a globally respected program, and a school culture that truly prepares students for life beyond the classroom.