IB: Powerful
IB Diploma — Complete Guide | LoSimplifica← Exam guides
By LoSimplifica · Updated June 2026 · 12 min read
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Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
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What's new for 2026
- Digital exams begin in 2026 — The IB is introducing digital examinations for a small number of subjects starting in 2026. This is the first phase of a multi-year transition. Most subjects remain on paper while schools prepare for the shift.
- May 2026 exam window: April 24 to May 20 — The Northern Hemisphere session runs across four weeks. No exams on May 1 (International Workers' Day).
- Results released early July 2026 — Official results for the May session are released approximately 6-8 weeks after the last exam, in early July. You access results through your school coordinator.
In this guide
- What is the IB Diploma?
- Programme structure
- The three core components
- Higher Level vs. Standard Level
- Scoring explained
- University recognition worldwide
- Exam dates and results
- Registration and cost
- Prep resources
Looking for more IB guides, books, and resources?
1. What is the IB Diploma?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year pre-university curriculum for students aged 16-19, offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). It is taught in more than 5,000 schools across 160 countries and recognized by universities worldwide as one of the most demanding and respected pre-university qualifications available.
Unlike the SAT, ACT, or even A-Levels, the IB Diploma is not a single exam but a comprehensive two-year programme combining six subject exams, three mandatory core components, and continuous internal assessments. Students who complete all requirements earn the full IB Diploma, worth up to 45 points total.
Globally portable. The IB Diploma is recognized by universities in 90+ countries, making it particularly valuable for internationally mobile students who may apply to universities across multiple countries simultaneously. A strong IB score signals academic readiness to admissions offices worldwide.
2. Programme structure
IB students choose one subject from each of six subject groups, ensuring a broad and balanced education across languages, sciences, humanities, and arts. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
| Subject group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature | English A: Literature, Spanish A, Chinese A, and 50+ other languages |
| Group 2: Language Acquisition | French B, Spanish B, Mandarin ab initio, English B |
| Group 3: Individuals and Societies | History, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Business Management |
| Group 4: Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies |
| Group 5: Mathematics | Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation |
| Group 6: The Arts (or a second Group 3/4) | Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, or an additional science or humanity |
For non-native English speakers: Group 1 allows students to study literature in their mother tongue — Spanish A, Chinese A, Korean A, and dozens of other languages are available. Group 2 allows students to study English as a second language (English B) at HL or SL. This makes the IB genuinely accessible for multilingual students, unlike systems that assume English as the primary language of instruction.
3. The three core components
In addition to six subject exams, every IB Diploma candidate must complete three core requirements. These are not optional — failing any core component can prevent you from earning the full diploma.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
A philosophy-style course exploring how we know what we know. Culminates in an exhibition and a 1,600-word essay. Graded A-E; contributes up to 3 bonus points to your total score.
Extended Essay (EE)
An independent research paper of up to 4,000 words in a subject of your choice. Graded A-E; combined with TOK for up to 3 bonus points.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
A portfolio of extracurricular activities across three areas over two years. Not graded with points, but must be completed to earn the diploma. Failing CAS means no diploma regardless of exam scores.
TOK and EE bonus points: Your combined performance in TOK and the Extended Essay can earn you up to 3 additional points on top of your 42 subject points, for a maximum total of 45. A grade of E in either TOK or the EE automatically fails the diploma, even if your subject scores are high.
4. Higher Level vs. Standard Level
Each subject is taken at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). Students must take exactly 3 HL and 3 SL subjects.
| Higher Level (HL) | Standard Level (SL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching hours | 240 hours over 2 years | 150 hours over 2 years |
| Depth | Greater breadth and depth; additional topics | Core curriculum only |
| University credit | Most colleges award credit for HL scores of 5-7 | Some colleges award credit for SL 6-7; check each school |
| Difficulty | Significantly more demanding | Still challenging — equivalent to first-year university in most countries |
Choose HL subjects strategically. Your three HL subjects should align with your intended university major. Medical schools expect HL Biology and Chemistry. Engineering programs want HL Mathematics and Physics. Business programs may require HL Economics or Mathematics. Research your target courses before finalizing your subject choices.
5. Scoring explained
The IB uses a points-based system with a maximum of 45 points total. Each of the six subjects is scored 1-7, and up to 3 bonus points are awarded based on TOK and Extended Essay performance.
6 subjectsMax 42 ptsTOK + EEMax 3 ptsTotalMax 45 pts
| Subject score | Description |
|---|---|
| 7 | Excellent |
| 6 | Very good |
| 5 | Good |
| 4 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | Mediocre |
| 2 | Poor |
| 1 | Very poor |
Diploma requirements
To earn the full IB Diploma, a student must:
- Score a minimum of 24 points out of 45
- Score at least 12 points across HL subjects
- Score at least 9 points across SL subjects
- Not receive a grade of 1 in any subject
- Not receive an E in TOK or the Extended Essay
- Complete all CAS requirements
Even without the full diploma: Students who do not earn the full diploma still receive an IB Certificate for each subject they pass. Many universities accept individual IB subject certificates for credit or placement, even without the full diploma.
6. University recognition worldwide
| Region | Recognition | Typical score expectations |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Fully recognized; accepted by all universities including Oxbridge | 38-45 for Oxford/Cambridge; 32-38 for most Russell Group |
| US | Widely recognized; HL subjects often earn college credit | No minimum required; strong scores (38+) strengthen applications significantly |
| Canada | Recognized by all major universities | Varies; HL scores of 5+ typically earn credit |
| Australia | Recognized; converted to ATAR equivalent | IB 28-30 is roughly equivalent to ATAR 80-85 |
| Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland | Highly recognized; IB widely used at international schools | Varies by institution and subject |
| Singapore, Hong Kong | Fully recognized at all major universities | 38-42 for most competitive programs |
US college credit for IB
Most US universities award credit for HL subjects with scores of 5, 6, or 7. Some universities also award credit for SL scores of 6 or 7. Use each university's credit policy database to check exact policies — they vary significantly by school and subject.
Selective US universities and credit: Harvard, MIT, and most Ivy League schools use IB scores for placement (allowing you to skip introductory courses) more often than for credit toward graduation requirements. A score of 7 in HL Mathematics at MIT might let you skip calculus — saving time but not necessarily tuition credits. Always verify the specific policy.
7. Exam dates and results 2026
The IB offers two exam sessions per year: May (Northern Hemisphere) and November (Southern Hemisphere). Most students outside Australia and New Zealand take the May session.
| Session | Exam period | Results release |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 (Northern Hemisphere) | April 24 to May 20, 2026 | Early July 2026 |
| November 2026 (Southern Hemisphere) | Late October to mid-November 2026 | Early January 2027 |
Results are not released directly to students — they are sent to your school coordinator first, who then distributes individual results. You can also access results through your IB candidate portal using your personal code.
Score retakes: IB students can retake individual subject exams in subsequent sessions if they do not meet diploma requirements or want to improve a specific score. You cannot retake an exam to improve a passing grade for diploma purposes — retakes are only for failing or incomplete results. Check the IB retake policy carefully before registering.
8. Registration and cost
IB exam registration is handled entirely through your school's IB coordinator, not directly with the IBO. You cannot register as a standalone private candidate in the same way as A-Levels or AP — you must be enrolled at an IB World School.
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Per exam fee (US schools, approximate) | ~$130 per subject |
| Full diploma (6 subjects) | ~$780 total in fees |
| Fee reductions (income-based) | Available; check with your school |
| Score report to 6 universities (included) | Free |
| Additional score reports | Fee applies |
| Retake exam fees | Similar to initial exam fees |
Fee reductions: Many IB schools offer fee reductions for students from low-income families. Some states and districts subsidize IB exam fees entirely for eligible students. Talk to your school's IB coordinator or counselor about financial assistance options well before the registration deadline.
Registration timeline
- September/October: Registration for May session opens. Most schools set an October deadline. Late registrations are typically not accepted.
- November/December: Internal assessments begin in many subjects.
- April/May: Core component deadlines (TOK exhibition, Extended Essay, CAS documentation).
- April 24 to May 20: External exams (2026 May session).
- Early July: Results released.
9. Prep resources
Official IB resources
Official · Free
IBO Assessment and Exams Page
Official information on assessment components, exam formats, and policies for every DP subject. The authoritative source for understanding what each exam requires.
Official · Paid
Oxford Study Courses IB
Intensive revision courses for IB students. Useful for targeted preparation in specific subjects in the weeks before exams.
Third-party prep resources
Free
r/IBO (Reddit)
The largest IB student community online. Subject-specific advice, past paper links, internal assessment tips, and real exam experiences. Essential reading for anyone starting the IB programme.
Free
Save My Exams — IB
Free and paid revision notes, topic questions, and mark scheme breakdowns for major IB subjects. Particularly strong for sciences and mathematics.
Paid
Revision Village — IB Mathematics
The most popular IB Mathematics revision platform. Covers both Analysis and Approaches and Applications and Interpretation at HL and SL. Past paper solutions, video walkthroughs, and predicted papers.
Free
Think IB
Free subject-specific resources and past paper collections for IB students. Covers most Group 3 and Group 4 subjects with notes, questions, and examination tips.
Looking for more IB guides, books, and resources?