What Is the IB Examination? Overview of Its Structure, Scoring System, and Registration Process

As international education becomes increasingly sought after, the IB examination has emerged as a popular option among students and parents alike. But what exactly is the IB exam? What subjects are covered? How is it graded? And how does one register for it? Grove Education provides a comprehensive overview of the IB examination, including its curriculum structure, assessment criteria, and registration procedures, to help students gain a full understanding of the IB and plan their academic pathway effectively.

The full name of IB is the International Baccalaureate (IB), a curriculum and examination system developed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, designed for students aged 3 to 19 around the world. The IB curriculum aims to foster internationally minded individuals with critical thinking skills and holistic development. The framework is divided into four stages:

Among parents and students, one of the most frequently asked questions is: what exactly is the IB exam? In this context, the “IB examination” refers to the assessments within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is a two-year programme considered equivalent to the UK’s A-levels and is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for university study and lifelong learning. To enrol in the IBDP, students must attend an IB-authorised school that offers the Diploma Programme, taught by trained and certified educators.

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The IBDP curriculum consists of six subject groups and three core components. Students are required to choose one subject from each of the first five groups, while the sixth group (The Arts) is optional – students may either select an arts subject or take an additional subject from groups 1 to 5. “Literature and Performance” and “Environmental Systems and Societies” are interdisciplinary courses that can satisfy the requirements of two groups simultaneously. Most subjects are offered at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL), and students must take at least three subjects at HL, with the remainder at SL. [2]

The three core components include:

The IB assessment system combines Internal Assessment (IA) and External Assessment (EA), offering a holistic evaluation of both academic understanding and practical skills. Gaining a clear understanding of the IB’s assessment format and content enables students to prepare with better focus and direction.

Internal Assessments are conducted at the student’s own IB school and form part of a long-term evaluation process, contributing 20% to 25% of the final grade. [3] These assessments are marked by subject teachers and then moderated by IB examiners through a sampling and moderation process, which may lead to score adjustments to ensure fairness and consistency. Examples of Internal Assessment formats include:

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External Assessment refers to the components marked by external IB examiners, accounting for 75% to 80% of the final grade [3]. These assessments include written examinations in subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Science, as well as the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. Examiners evaluate students based on their understanding of the topic, ability to analyse and assess information, essay structure, and depth of reflection.

Students take written exams at their school or an authorised examination centre during designated IB exam periods. All papers and procedures are set and overseen by the IB Organisation. Depending on the nature of each subject, exam papers vary in format and may include:

Students select a topic from one of their IB subjects and formulate a research question, under the supervision of a teacher, to complete a 4,000-word academic essay. This task requires independent research, data analysis, argumentation, and reflection, and is a significant component of the final IB score. [5]

TOK requires students to explore the origins and nature of knowledge. Assessment includes a 1,600-word philosophical essay (based on a prescribed title provided by the IB) and an exhibition centred on three selected objects, demonstrating how theoretical knowledge applies in real-life contexts. This component tests students’ critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills. [6]

Each IB subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, while TOK and the EE are graded from A to E. [7] The combined performance in TOK and the EE can contribute up to 3 additional points to a student’s total IB score. Although CAS does not carry any points, it is a compulsory requirement for the award of the IB Diploma. The grading scale is as follows:

To be awarded the full IB Diploma, students must score at least 24 points out of a maximum of 45, with no subject scoring below 3 points. The specific diploma requirements are:

The IB examinations are held twice a year – in the May session (April–May) and the November session (October–November), with each session lasting approximately 3 to 4 weeks. [8] For instance, in the May 2025 session, the exams will run from 25 April to 21 May, with papers scheduled in morning and afternoon slots over a 4-week period. [9] All exam timings are adjusted to fit global time zones, and students should refer to the official IB timetable to confirm their specific exam dates and times according to their country, subjects, and papers.

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Registration for the IB examination must be completed through the student’s IB school. Students must first apply to and enrol at an authorised IB World School. Towards the end of the programme, the school will assist in completing the IB exam registration process, including subject selection, submission of necessary documents, and payment of examination fees. For the 2025 IB examinations, the registration fee is USD 123 per subject. The total exam fee will depend on the number of subjects a student registers for. This does not include tuition fees charged by IB schools or any additional administrative costs. [10]

The IB examination demands proficiency across a wide range of subjects and adherence to rigorous assessment standards. To earn the IB Diploma, students must successfully complete both internal and external assessments, fulfil the core requirements, and meet the minimum score thresholds.

If you still have questions about the IB structure, scoring system, or registration process after understanding what the IB entails, feel free to contact Grove Education. Our team of experienced education consultants is here to provide tailored advice based on your background, goals, and strengths. We offer guidance on subject selection, exam strategies, and study planning—helping you navigate the IB journey and achieve admission to your ideal university.

Reference:

1. International Baccalaureate - Programmes 

2. International Baccalaureate - DP curriculum 

3. U.S. News - 4 Common Questions, Answers About IB Assessments 

4. International Baccalaureate - Assessment and exams 

5. International Baccalaureate - What is the extended essay 

6. International Baccalaureate - What is TOK? 

7. International Baccalaureate - DP passing criteria 

8. International Baccalaureate - Getting results 

9. International Baccalaureate - May 2025 examination schedule 

10. International Baccalaureate - Assessment fees and services