What Is the Core Requirement in IB?
The IB Diploma core consists of three compulsory components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Each part develops essential skills beyond academic content, such as reflection, research, and engagement with the world. Completion of all three is mandatory to earn the IB Diploma.
For a high-level overview, read:
👉 IB Core Overview: Why It’s More Than Just Points
1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK teaches students how to question knowledge itself—how we know what we know. You’ll explore different "Ways of Knowing" and "Areas of Knowledge" in a reflective, philosophical way.
Assessment includes:
- A TOK Exhibition
- A 1,600-word TOK Essay
Failing to achieve at least a D in TOK means you cannot receive the Diploma.
Start here:
👉 How to Write a High-Scoring TOK Essay
👉 TOK Exhibition Tips: What to Choose and Why
2. Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word research project in a subject of your choice. It teaches you to develop a research question, gather data, and write analytically at a university level.
Explore how to start and finish strong:
👉 How to Choose the Best EE Subject and Question
👉 How to Structure and Write the Extended Essay
3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
CAS encourages students to engage outside the classroom through creative pursuits, physical activity, and volunteer service.
To pass CAS, you must:
- Complete at least one CAS project (lasting a month or more)
- Show evidence of the seven learning outcomes
- Submit ongoing reflections
Missing this requirement means automatic Diploma failure.
Start planning your project and reflections with these guides:
👉 How to Design a Meaningful CAS Project
👉 Best CAS Reflection Formats and Examples
Bonus: How the Core Affects Your Final Grade
While CAS doesn’t add points, your grades in TOK and the EE can earn you up to 3 bonus points.
Understand the full breakdown:
👉 How IB Points Work (Including Bonus Points)
FAQs
Q: Can I get the Diploma if I fail CAS but pass all subjects?
No. CAS is mandatory. Failure to meet it results in no Diploma.
Q: How many points can I earn from the core?
Up to 3 bonus points from TOK and the EE. CAS is required but not point-based.
Q: What’s the best time to start the core?
Begin early in DP1 for EE and CAS. TOK usually starts in DP2.
Conclusion
The IB Core—TOK, EE, and CAS—is more than a requirement; it's a chance to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Mastering these components makes you a more competitive university applicant and a more reflective learner.
📘 Dive deeper into each core element using RevisionDojo’s complete IB Core toolkit:
👉 Explore All IB Core Articles on RevisionDojo
