International Baccalaureate Exams: Everything You Need to Know

What Are International Baccalaureate Exams?

International Baccalaureate (IB) exams are the final assessments students take in the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). They evaluate knowledge, skills, and critical thinking across a range of subjects, and are essential for earning the IB Diploma.

These exams take place in May or November each year and are externally marked by IB examiners worldwide.

IB Diploma Exam Structure

IB Diploma students study six subjects from six groups:

1. Studies in Language and Literature (Group 1)
2. Language Acquisition (Group 2)
3. Individuals and Societies (Group 3)
4. Sciences (Group 4)
5. Mathematics (Group 5)
6. The Arts (Group 6) or an additional subject from Groups 1–4

Each subject has its own exam(s), with some subjects featuring multiple papers (e.g., Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3).

Types of IB Exams

• Written Exams: Most subjects have written exams, ranging from essays and short answers to problem-solving questions.
• Oral Exams: Language courses often include oral components assessing speaking skills.
• Practical Exams: Arts and sciences may have practical or performance-based assessments.
• Internal Assessments: Work done during the course (IAs) counts towards the final grade but is separate from the final exams.

Exam Grading and Diploma Award

IB exams are graded on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). The final diploma score combines:

• Grades in six subjects (maximum 42 points)
• Up to 3 bonus points from Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE)
• A total maximum of 45 points

To pass, students need at least 24 points and must meet specific criteria related to core components and subject grades.

Exam Preparation Tips

• Start Early: Begin revising months in advance and practice past papers.
• Understand the Format: Know the structure and timing of each paper.
• Master Internal Assessments: These contribute significantly to your final grade.
• Use Official IB Resources: The IB website and your school provide past papers and mark schemes.
• Practice Time Management: Simulate exam conditions during revision.
• Seek Support: Work with teachers, peers, or online platforms like RevisionDojo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When are IB exams held?
IB exams take place in May (main session) and November (for some regions and subjects).

Q2: How long are IB exams?
Exam durations vary by subject and paper, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Q3: Can I retake IB exams?
Yes, students can retake exams in a subsequent session but must register through their school.

Q4: What if I miss an IB exam?
You must notify your school immediately; makeup exams are rare and usually require exceptional circumstances.

Q5: Are IB exams harder than other curriculums?
IB exams are known for their depth, breadth, and emphasis on critical thinking, making them challenging but rewarding.

Q6: How do IB exam scores translate to university entry?
Many universities worldwide accept IB scores for admissions, often requiring specific point totals or subject grades.