IB Exams Explained
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a rigorous international education program offered at many high schools worldwide. The most common IB program at the secondary level is the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), a two-year curriculum taken in grades 11–12. The IB Organization publishes the exams and curriculum standards.
How IB Is Different from AP
AP courses are individual elective courses a student can pick and choose. The IB Diploma Programme is a comprehensive curriculum where students must take courses in six subject groups simultaneously, along with three core requirements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) hours. It is a significantly larger commitment than taking individual AP courses.
Students can also take individual IB courses (IB Certificates) without pursuing the full diploma.
IB Exam Scoring
Each IB subject exam is scored on a scale of 1–7, where 7 is the highest. To earn the IB Diploma, a student must earn a total of at least 24 points across six subjects (maximum 42 from courses, plus up to 3 bonus points from TOK and the Extended Essay, for a maximum of 45 total).
| Score | Grade Description |
|---|---|
| 7 | Excellent |
| 6 | Very Good |
| 5 | Good |
| 4 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | Mediocre |
| 2 | Poor |
| 1 | Very Poor |
Can IB Earn College Credit?
Yes, many US colleges grant college credit for strong IB exam scores, typically a 5, 6, or 7 on Higher Level (HL) courses. Standard Level (SL) courses less commonly earn credit. Policies vary significantly by institution. Check with each college directly or consult their admissions website for IB credit policies.
How Do Colleges View the IB Diploma?
College admissions offices at selective institutions generally view the full IB Diploma as one of the most rigorous high school programs available. Students who complete the diploma and earn it demonstrate substantial academic discipline and intellectual breadth. The program is especially well regarded internationally.