Graduation Requirements
How DP Assessment is scored
In the DP, students receive grades ranging from 7 to 1, with 7 being highest. Students receive a grade for each DP course attempted.
A student’s final diploma result score is made up of the combined scores for each subject. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance including successful completion of the three essential elements of the DP core.
Additional requirements:
There are a number of additional requirements for the award of the diploma.
CAS requirements have been met.
There is no “N” awarded for TOK, the EE or for a contributing subject.
There is no grade E awarded for TOK and/or the EE.
There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.
There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).
There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).
The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects. (For candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count.)
The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects. (Candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL.)
The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.
The DP core
The theory of knowledge (TOK) and extended essay (EE) components are awarded individual grades and, collectively, can contribute up to 3 additional points towards the overall diploma score.
Creativity, activity, service (CAS) – the remaining element in the DP core – does not contribute to the points total but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma.
Higher level and standard level courses
The IB awards the same number of points for higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) courses, reflecting the IB’s belief in the importance of achievement across a broad range of academic disciplines.
HL and SL courses differ in scope but are assessed against the same grade descriptors, with HL candidates expected to demonstrate the various elements of the grade descriptors across a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills.
Receiving a bilingual diploma
A bilingual diploma is awarded to candidates who complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from the DP course studies in language and literature.