IB core points: every TOK and EE combination explained

A two-point core result does not replace an HL requirement

Consider six subject grades totalling 29 and a TOK/EE combination awarding two core points: the diploma total is 31. If an offer asks for 32, one more point would close the total gap, but only if all separate subject requirements are already satisfied. A requirement for Mathematics HL 6 is not met by increasing core points while Mathematics remains at 5.

Core planning also needs a timetable. Ask the coordinator whether a proposed change involves a new essay, exhibition or other assessment, who could supervise it, and which submission deadlines apply. IBretake's exam-host search does not supply new core or IA supervision.

Read the full TOK/EE matrix · Calculate the diploma total · Check the retake policy

• Keep the TOK grade, EE grade and matrix points as three separate entries.
• Check the matrix rather than adding letter grades numerically.
• Confirm CAS completion and all diploma-award conditions.
• Do not budget for an extra core point as though it were guaranteed.

The complete combination list

Read each pair as TOK grade / Extended Essay grade. The matrix is symmetrical, so A/C and C/A have the same value.

• 3 points: A/A, A/B, B/A.
• 2 points: A/C, A/D, B/B, B/C, C/A, C/B, D/A.
• 1 point: B/D, C/C, D/B.
• 0 points: C/D, D/C, D/D.
• Failing condition: an E in TOK or an E in the Extended Essay.

What the latest official data shows

In the final May 2025 DP bulletin, 43.8% of students received 2 core points, 25.2% received 1, 17.8% received 0 and 12.2% received all 3. The mean was 1.5 core points.

That distribution is useful context, not a target. A candidate with 0 core points can still reach 24 total points, but every other diploma condition must also be satisfied.

• 0 points: 17.8%.
• 1 point: 25.2%.
• 2 points: 43.8%.
• 3 points: 12.2%.

Why 24 points is not the whole rule

The diploma needs at least 24 total points, but the IB also applies subject and level conditions. There must be a grade in every subject, TOK and EE; no subject can be grade 1; there can be no more than two grade 2s and no more than three grades of 3 or below.

Candidates also need at least 12 points across HL subjects and at least 9 across SL subjects under the standard three-HL, three-SL structure. CAS must be completed.

Core points after results

First calculate the subject total, then add the matrix result. If the missing diploma comes from an E in TOK or EE, or from incomplete CAS, retaking a written subject alone may not repair the failing condition.

IBretake searches for schools that can host retake exams. It does not arrange a new TOK essay, TOK exhibition, Extended Essay supervision, CAS, IA or coursework. Core-component options must be confirmed with a DP coordinator.

When one core point changes the decision

A move from C/C to B/C changes the core award from 1 to 2. A move from B/B to A/B changes it from 2 to 3. But a subject retake and a core-component change are different registrations, with different supervision and school requirements.

Use the matrix to diagnose the problem, then ask the coordinator exactly which component can be registered in the next session before building a study plan.