Yes, retaking MYP eAssessments is possible. The IB allows students to use a maximum of three examination sessions to satisfy the requirements for the IB MYP Certificate, and those sessions do not have to be consecutive. A retake must be arranged through an IB World School and its MYP coordinator rather than booked independently.
Before choosing a retake, distinguish it from an enquiry upon results, commonly called an EUR. A retake means completing an assessment in a future session, while an EUR asks the IB to review assessment material from the completed session. The appropriate option depends on whether the existing result may be inaccurate or the student needs another opportunity to perform better.
What counts as an MYP eAssessment retake?
MYP eAssessment is the IB's external assessment system for students completing the final year of the programme. It includes on-screen examinations, externally moderated ePortfolios, the Personal Project, and interdisciplinary learning.
A retake occurs when a student registers for one or more assessments in a later examination session. Sessions are normally held in May and November, but the relevant subject, language, and assessment type must be available. Schools manage registration through IBIS, so students cannot register directly with the IB.
The original certificate session counts toward the maximum of three sessions, usually leaving up to two later opportunities. Although sessions need not be consecutive, delaying can create practical problems if subject offerings, assessment requirements, or curricula change.
Why might a student retake an assessment?
The main reason is failure to meet an MYP Certificate condition. A certificate candidate must complete the required eight eAssessment components, earn at least 28 points out of 56, achieve at least grade 3 in every required component, and meet the school's expectations for service as action.
A retake may help when a student:
- received a 1 or 2 in a required component
- reached 28 points but missed the minimum grade in one component
- earned grades of 3 or above but finished below 28 overall
- received no grade in a component required for the certificate
- needs a stronger individual MYP Course Result for a specific purpose
A disappointing result does not automatically require a retake. Students should first determine whether it affects the certificate, entry to their next programme, or a school-specific progression decision.
How MYP grades and certificate points work
Each completed eAssessment is reported on the 1--7 scale. Eight equally weighted results contribute to the full certificate:
- Language and literature
- Language acquisition, or an eligible second language and literature course
- Individuals and societies
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Arts, design, or physical and health education
- Interdisciplinary learning
- Personal Project
Each component contributes up to 7 points, giving a maximum of 56. Students must earn at least 28 points overall and at least grade 3 in every required component.
| Example | Eight component grades | Total | Certificate result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student A | 4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3 | 28 | Meets the numerical requirements |
| Student B | 6, 5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2 | 32 | Does not qualify because one grade is below 3 |
| Student C | 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 | 24 | Does not qualify because the total is below 28 |
A strong total therefore cannot compensate for a grade below 3. Equally, obtaining grade 3 in every component does not guarantee the required total.
Worked retake example
Suppose Student B retakes the component graded 2 and later earns a 4. The revised calculation is 6 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 4 = 34.
The IB states that when a student completes more than one eligible eAssessment for a required or selected subject-group requirement, the highest available grade contributes to the certificate total. The 4 therefore replaces the 2 in the relevant certificate slot. Assuming all other conditions are satisfied, the student can qualify for the certificate.
How grade boundaries affect a retake
An external eAssessment grade is not produced by applying a standard classroom percentage conversion. The IB marks responses against MYP criteria and establishes subject-specific grade boundaries for each assessment session.
Boundaries may change to account for differences in assessment difficulty. The raw mark needed for a grade 4 or 7 could therefore differ between the original session and a later retake. Students should aim for a clear improvement in subject knowledge, reasoning, communication, and command-term execution rather than targeting one additional raw mark.
External boundaries should not be confused with the internal MYP conversion based on four criterion scores totaling 32. RevisionDojo's guide to MYP grade boundaries and the 1--7 scale explains this distinction. Coordinators should use the official session-specific information supplied by the IB.
Retake or enquiry upon results?
An enquiry upon results reviews an existing result; it does not provide a new attempt. Under the IB's regulations, an on-screen examination may be re-marked, while applicable internally assessed work may be considered through the available re-moderation procedures.
| Option | What happens | Best considered when |
|---|---|---|
| Enquiry upon results | Existing assessment material is reviewed | The result appears inconsistent with the evidence or is close to a required outcome |
| Retake | The student completes a future assessment | The student needs a fresh opportunity to improve |
The school must submit an EUR. Where a re-mark could alter the grade, it must obtain the required consent because the result may increase or decrease.
Published deadlines are 15 October for enquiries following May results and 15 April following November results. Coordinators should verify the current assessment procedures because services, fees, and conditions can change.
How to arrange an MYP eAssessment retake
Contact the school's MYP coordinator as soon as results are available. The student, guardian, and coordinator should establish:
- which result prevents the intended outcome
- whether an EUR is available and appropriate
- how many examination sessions have already been used
- whether the subject and language are offered in the proposed session
- whether the school can register and supervise the assessment
- which fees and internal deadlines apply
- whether new teaching or coursework is required
The IB publishes general registration deadlines of 20 October for a May session and 20 April for a November session. Schools commonly set earlier internal deadlines to verify eligibility, collect fees, and complete administration.
Do not assume that an ePortfolio can simply be edited and resubmitted or that previous coursework automatically carries forward. Requirements depend on the component and session, so the coordinator must consult the current MYP Assessment Procedures.
How to prepare differently for a retake
Repeating the same revision process often reproduces the same weaknesses. First identify whether the original problem involved missing knowledge, misunderstood command terms, weak application, incomplete explanations, poor timing, or difficulty working on screen.
The RevisionDojo MYP resource hub provides subject materials, while the 30-day MYP eAssessment study plan structures targeted review and timed practice. A practical weekly cycle is:
- Review one weak concept using Study Notes.
- Retrieve key information without notes.
- Complete a short set of exam-style questions.
- Classify each error by its cause.
- Rewrite a weak response using the correct command term.
- Complete regular timed work on screen.
The MYP eAssessment success guide offers further advice on digital pacing and criteria-based review. Students should also confirm the MYP Certificate requirements before committing time and money.
Common mistakes when planning a retake
Do not assume that 28 points alone guarantees the certificate, because every required component must also be at least grade 3. Avoid treating old grade boundaries as fixed targets, since external boundaries are session-specific.
Students should also avoid waiting until the public registration deadline, as schools may close registration earlier. Finally, remember that an EUR reviews completed work, whereas a retake creates a new result in a later session.
Conclusion
Students can retake MYP eAssessments, but an IB World School must manage the registration. All attempts must fit within the maximum of three examination sessions, and assessment availability still matters.
Before registering, check the certificate calculation, compare a retake with an EUR, and obtain current guidance from the MYP coordinator. RevisionDojo's MYP Study Notes, Questionbank, Flashcards, and timed practice resources can then support a revision plan focused on the weaknesses shown by the original result.
Sources and referenced URLs
- IB MYP grading and awards
- IB General Regulations: Middle Years Programme
- IB MYP eAssessment Q&A: The What
- IB MYP eAssessment Q&A: The How
- IB MYP on-screen examination registration
- IB MYP assessment overview
- IB MYP passing criteria
- RevisionDojo MYP resources
- RevisionDojo MYP eAssessment 30-day study plan
- RevisionDojo tips for MYP eAssessment success
- RevisionDojo guide to MYP grade boundaries
- RevisionDojo MYP Certificate guide
