What is the CP?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) is a program offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization that combines the academic rigor of the IB Diploma Programme with career-related education. The program is designed for students who wish to pursue higher education and a career in a specific field. The program includes the completion of two IB diploma courses, a career-related study, and the four core components of the CP. Beyond intellectual rigor, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding, responsible citizenship, and service. The core consists of service learning, personal and professional skills, language development, and a reflective project. Students' career-related study draws all aspects of the CP together. The chosen career-related studies path prepares students for higher education, an internship, an apprenticeship, or a position in a designated field of interest. The program is recognized by universities and employers around the world.

Modern life places complex demands on graduates entering further/higher education or employment. An integral part of the Career-related Programme is enabling students to become self-confident, skilled, and career-ready learners. To prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing world, the CP not only equips them with the necessary skills and learning dispositions but also the ability to manage and influence change. 

The Career-related Programme helps students to:

• develop a range of broad work-related competencies and deepen their understanding in specific areas of knowledge through their Diploma Programme courses

• develop flexible strategies for knowledge acquisition and enhancement in varied contexts

• prepare for effective participation in the changing world of work

• foster attitudes and habits of mind that allow them to become lifelong learners willing to consider new perspectives

• become involved in learning that develops their capacity and will to make a positive difference.

The IB Career-related Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:

• follow their chosen education and career pathways in life

• combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills

• engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community

• think critically and creatively

• communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations

• effectively work independently and in collaboration with others

• consider new perspectives and other points of view

• develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness

• demonstrate high levels of resilience, flexibility, and agility of mind

• be internationally minded and globally aware

• apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations.

What the CP offers students

The CP provides a comprehensive educational framework that combines highly regarded and internationally recognized courses, from the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with a unique CP core and an approved career-related study.

The CP develops students to be:

• Academically strong

• Skilled in a practical field

• Critical and ethical thinkers

• Self-directed

• Collaborative

• Resilient and determined

• Confident and assured

• Caring and reflective

• Inquirers

The Career-related Programme prepares students for flexibility and mobility in a range of employment opportunities as well as continuing lifelong learning. It integrates broad, general learning areas as well as specific career-related content into a rigorous and challenging framework of education. The detailed knowledge, skills, and understanding gained from studying Diploma Programme courses, the Career-related Programme core, and the career-related study provide opportunities for:

• Employment: the transferrable skills fostered in the personal and professional skills course, combined with the specific knowledge and skills developed by students in their career-related studies provide an opportunity for students to move directly into employment in their chosen field.

• Apprenticeships: apprenticeship schemes are available in many countries where students are given on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction in a particular craft or trade.

• Further education: students may wish to continue their education at educational institutions that specialize in their chosen field of study.

• Higher education: the mix of career-related skills combined with the knowledge and skills obtained from studying Diploma Programme courses allows students access to higher education institutions such as universities and colleges.

Participating schools work in close collaboration with further and higher education institutions and with the employment sector both locally and internationally.

Why take the IB Career-related Programme?

2026 IB Exam Schedule