The International Baccalaureate® (IB) assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Programme (DP) courses.
DP assessment procedures measure the extent to which students have mastered advanced academic skills in fulfilling these goals, for example:
- analyzing and presenting information
- evaluating and constructing arguments
- solving problems creatively.
Basic skills are also assessed, including:
- retaining knowledge
- understanding key concepts
- applying standard methods.
In addition to academic skills, DP assessment encourages an international outlook and intercultural skills, wherever appropriate.
Student results are determined by performance against set standards, not by each student's position in the overall rank order.
Using external and internal assessment
The IB uses both external and internal assessment in the DP.
External assessment
Examinations form the basis of the assessment for most courses. This is because of their high levels of objectivity and reliability.
They include:
- essays
- structured problems
- short-response questions
- data-response questions
- text-response questions
- case-study questions
- multiple-choice questions—though these are rarely used.
Internal assessment
Teacher assessment is also used for most courses. This includes:
- oral work in languages
- fieldwork in geography
- laboratory work in the sciences
- investigations in mathematics
- artistic performances.
Read further information on understanding DP assessment.
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Requesting DP transcripts and certificates
The International Baccalaureate (IB) provides an official transcript of grades for the DP. Before results are released, candidates can request to have results sent to six universities free of charge—and request to pay for additional transcripts as well.
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Digital Examinations for the DP and CP
The IB will deliver both paper and digital examinations in the DP and CP starting with a small number of subjects in 2026. This is the first stage of a multi-year project that encompasses several phases. During this transition, schools can continue administering paper examinations until fully prepared to go digital.
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IB assessment principles and practices
The IB takes great care in ensuring assessment of candidates is meaningful and fair. The following guides provide an overview of the assessment process across our programmes.
