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.

Rule 1: Anyone Can Retake

If you have ever been registered for the IB Diploma Programme, either as a full Diploma candidate or a Course candidate, you are eligible to retake. This applies whether you:

• 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 IB places no limit on how many times you can retake a subject. You can retake once, twice, or ten times across different sessions. Each retake is a new registration with full fees.

Rule 3: You Can Retake at Any IB World School

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: You Can Change Level (HL ↔ SL)

When retaking, you can switch between Higher Level and Standard Level. This is useful if:

• 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

Note: Changing level is treated as a new subject registration. If any IA or coursework transfer question is relevant, handle it outside IBretake with an IB coordinator.

Rule 6: You Can Replace Subjects

You can retake a completely different subject to replace one in your Diploma. For example, if you originally took French B SL and want to switch to Spanish B SL, you can register for Spanish as a retake. The new grade replaces the old one in your Diploma calculation.

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: Full Fees Apply Every Time

Each retake is treated as a new registration. There are no discounted fees for retake candidates. You pay:

• 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: All subjects available worldwide
• November session: Most subjects available, but some niche subjects may only run 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 candidates sit the exact same exam as first time candidates. Examiners do not know whether a paper belongs to a retake or first time candidate.

"You need permission from your original school"

False. You do not need your original school's permission to retake. Any IB World School can register you independently.