IB retake rules: eligibility, limits, sessions and schools

Before you spend money or choose a session, get the rules straight. Most students are allowed to retake, but the practical outcome still depends on the school that registers you, the subjects you choose, the session, and whether any coursework or IA issue sits outside the exam papers.

Why 26 total points can still require an HL retake

For a standard three-HL/three-SL combination, consider these illustrative grades:

Improving an SL subject in this example raises the total without fixing the HL shortfall. The IB criteria also specify core and low-grade conditions, plus different counting rules for four HL or two SL subjects.

Use the full score checklist, non-award guide and core-points matrix before choosing the subject to retake.

Rule 1: Confirm your eligibility

Previous Diploma and Course candidates can generally retake, subject to IB restrictions and coordinator confirmation. Ask the school to check your candidate record, especially after an absence, sanction or curriculum change. Common reasons for asking include having:

• Completed the full Diploma
• Sat individual subjects as a Course candidate
• Failed to achieve the Diploma
• Were absent from exams (with or without special consideration)

You do not need to have "passed" anything to be eligible for a retake.

Rule 2: No Limit on the Number of Retakes

The former three-session restriction has been removed, but that does not guarantee every future entry. Curriculum changes, subject availability and individual restrictions still matter. Ask the coordinator to check your intended session; see the retake-limits guide.

Rule 3: A Willing IB Diploma Programme School Must Accept Your Retake

You are not required to retake at your original school. Any IB World School with an active Diploma Programme that accepts you as a candidate can register you. This includes schools in different cities and countries.

Learn more: How to retake at a different school

Rule 4: IBretake Does Not Arrange New IA or Coursework

Some IB retake situations involve existing IA marks or coursework components. IBretake's search is narrower: it is for exam hosting placements only.

• No new IA through IBretake: The platform does not arrange new IA, coursework, oral preparation, tutoring, or coursework supervision.
• Carry forward questions: If an existing IA mark or coursework component is relevant, confirm it directly with your previous school or the accepting IB coordinator.

Rule 5: Check an HL/SL change before paying

A change of level needs coordinator confirmation of the registration route, course requirements, coursework and diploma subject combination. Reasons to discuss it might include:

• You originally took HL but want to reduce the difficulty
• Your university offer specifies SL, so HL was unnecessary
• You want to challenge yourself more with HL

Do not assume that a carried-forward mark or a university subject requirement will remain valid after changing level. IBretake does not arrange additional coursework or supervision.

Rule 6: A different subject is not a simple replacement

Taking Spanish B after French B is not simply re-sitting the same subject. A different course may involve new teaching, assessment and registration requirements. Ask an IB coordinator whether the proposed combination is permissible and how it would count towards your diploma before relying on a new subject to replace a result.

Rule 7: Best Grade Is Used for Diploma

If you retake a subject and score lower than your original attempt, the IB uses your best result for Diploma calculations. You cannot make your Diploma result worse by retaking.

Rule 8: You Can Earn the Diploma Retroactively

If you originally missed the Diploma (scored below 24 points, or failed a condition), a successful retake can qualify you for the Diploma retroactively. The IB recalculates your total using your best results across sessions.

Rule 9: Confirm the cost of the new registration

A later retake requires a new registration. Do not assume a previous payment covers it. For a direct school arrangement, ask for an itemised quote that distinguishes:

• IB assessment fees confirmed by the accepting school
• Selected subject or core component fees if applicable
• School administration fee (set by the school)

See the full cost breakdown.

Rule 10: Session Availability Varies

Not all subjects are available in both sessions:

• May session: Check the published subject, level and language schedule with the school.
• November session: Do not assume that the same subject and language options are offered as in May.

Additionally, not all schools offer both sessions. Check availability before committing. See our deadline guide for session timing.

Common Misconceptions

"You can only retake within one year"

False. There is no time limit on when you can retake. Students have retaken years after their original session.

"Retake grades are marked differently"

False. Retake work is assessed against the applicable IB assessment standards, not an easier retake-only standard. Confirm the current syllabus, paper variant and session rather than expecting the same paper as your earlier attempt.

"You need permission from your original school"

You are not required to retake at your original school. A new host still needs to accept you and confirm the registration route; records or coursework questions may require coordination with the previous school.