Diploma Programme assessment
Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners.
The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest)
to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three
additional points for their combined results on theory
of knowledge and the extended essay. The diploma is
awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject
to certain minimum levels of performance across the
whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the
creativity, action, service requirement. The highest total that
a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45 points.
Assessment is criterion based, which means student performance is measured against pre-specifi ed assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject curriculum, rather than the performance of other students taking the same examinations. Statistically the range of scores that students have attained has remained stable and universities value the rigour and consistency of Diploma Programme assessment practice.
Students can choose to study for individual subject certifi cates, rather than the full diploma, if the diploma combination does not best meet their individual needs or circumstances.
Useful links
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Diploma Programme assessment—Principles and practice [809 kb, PDF]
Exam schedules
External examinations for candidates for the IB diploma are given twice a year, in May and in November.
Examination schedules 2008 and 2009
Exam papers
Visit our new IB store to buy downloadable copies of past IB Diploma Programme examination papers and markschemes.
