Three Essential Components

CP students must complete three distinct components:

1. IB Diploma Programme (DP) Courses

Students take a minimum of 2 DP courses (some schools require 3) chosen from the six DP subject groups:

• Group 1: Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

These courses provide academic rigour and are externally examined by IB just like full DP students.

2. The CP Core (Four Components)

The CP Core consists of four interconnected components that develop personal and professional skills:

• Personal and Professional Skills (PPS)
• Service Learning (SL)
• Reflective Project (RP)
• Language Development (LD)

3. Career-related Study

A career-focused qualification approved by the IB, such as:

• BTEC qualifications (Business, Engineering, IT, Sport, etc.)
• National vocational qualifications
• Professional certifications
• School-developed career programmes

Assessment: School-based (not externally examined)

PPS develops attitudes, skills, and strategies applicable to personal and professional contexts. It emphasizes workplace skills that are transferable across settings.

Five Themes:

• Personal Development: Self-awareness, growth mindset, resilience
• Intercultural Understanding: Cultural awareness, global perspectives
• Effective Communication: Oral, written, and digital communication
• Thinking Processes: Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity
• Applied Ethics: Ethical decision-making in professional contexts

Duration: Throughout the two-year programme

Assessment: Teachers assess student engagement and completion of activities

Assessment: School-based (not externally examined)

Service Learning involves the application of knowledge and skills toward meeting identified community needs through research-based approaches.

Requirements:

• Duration: Minimum of 18 months of active engagement
• Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate all five learning outcomes through service activities
• Reflection: Regular reflection on learning throughout the service experience
• Connection: Often related to career-related study topics

Five Learning Outcomes:

• Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
• Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken
• Demonstrate skills and recognise benefits of working collaboratively
• Show commitment and perseverance
• Recognise and consider ethics of choices and actions

Assessment: School-based (not externally examined)

Language Development ensures all CP students engage with a language other than their best/mother tongue language.

Requirements:

• Duration: Minimum 50 hours of language learning over the programme
• Language: Any language other than student's mother tongue/best language
• Format: Can be classroom instruction, online learning, tutoring, or self-study
• Portfolio: Evidence of learning through portfolio and reflections
• Connection: Ideally linked to career-related study when possible

Note: If a student takes a Language B DP course, this can simultaneously fulfill both the DP course requirement AND the Language Development requirement.

Mathematics in IBCP DP Courses

If students choose Mathematics as one of their DP courses, they study advanced mathematical concepts:

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)

Focus: Traditional pure mathematics - calculus, algebra, proofs

• Differentiation: d/dx(x²) = 2x
• Integration: ∫x² dx = x³/3 + C
• Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
• Trigonometric identities: sin²θ + cos²θ = 1

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)

Focus: Practical mathematics - statistics, modelling, technology

• Standard deviation: σ = √(Σ(x - μ)² / N)
• Linear regression: y = mx + c
• Compound interest: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)
• Probability: P(A ∪ B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A ∩ B)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Official Resources

What's the difference between IBCP and IB Diploma Programme?

IBCP: Takes 2-3 DP courses + CP Core + career-related study. More flexible, career-focused.
IB DP: Takes 6 subjects + TOK + EE + CAS. More academically intensive, broader curriculum. Both are recognized IB qualifications.

Can CP students apply to university?

Yes. IBCP graduates can apply to universities worldwide. However, recognition varies by institution and country. Check specific university requirements - some may require particular DP courses or grades.

Do CP students take the same exams as DP students?

Yes. For the DP courses they take, CP students sit the exact same external examinations as full DP students, on the same dates, marked to the same standards.

Is the Reflective Project like the Extended Essay?

Similar but different. Both are extended research projects, but the RP specifically focuses on an ethical dilemma related to career studies (3,000 words max). The EE is broader in scope (4,000 words). RP is externally moderated; EE is externally assessed.

Can I add more DP courses if I start with 2?

Check with your school. Some schools allow flexibility, but adding courses may increase workload significantly. Must be decided early in the programme.

What career-related studies are available?

Varies by school. Common options include: BTEC qualifications (Business, IT, Sport, Engineering), national vocational qualifications, professional certificates, school-developed career programmes. Must be approved by IB.

What happens if I fail one DP course?

You can still receive the IBCP Certificate if you meet all other requirements. However, you won't receive a Course Certificate for the failed subject. Check university requirements - some may require passes in specific subjects.

When are IBCP results released?

July 5, 2026 for May 2026 session. Results include DP course grades, Reflective Project grade, and confirmation of whether you met all IBCP requirements for certificate award.