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IB EXAM Retakes & Remarks

Not sure whether to retake your IB exams or request a remark? You are not alone and we are here to help!

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IB Exam Retakes & Remarks Help
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Your Complete Guide to IB Retakes and Diploma Success

First, don't panic

Thousands of IB students improve their results every year. The hardest part is knowing which route is right for you, so let's make that decision simple.

Have you passed the diploma?

Passing the IB Diploma isn't only about your total points. Every candidate must satisfy a set of conditions across grades, the core, and minimum thresholds.

The core conditions

These apply to every diploma candidate.

  • A total of at least 24 points.
  • A grade between A and D on your EE and TOK, no E's.
  • At least a 2 in every subject (and no more than two 2's).
  • No more than three 3's across your subjects.

The HL & SL thresholds

Your points must also clear these minimums.

  • At least 12 points across your HL subjects.
  • At least 9 points across your SL subjects.
  • At least a 2 in every subject (and no more than two 2's).

These conditions count only towards the full IB Diploma, course candidates are assessed differently.

If you didn't

Don't panic

Let yourself feel disappointed, but don't despair. There are more options than it feels like right now. If you hold a university offer:

  1. Speak to your school's counsellor or coordinator.
  2. Contact university admissions to see whether an arrangement can be reached.
  3. Research alternatives, a foundation year, a different course, or clearing.
  4. Evaluate honestly whether retakes are the right move.

Want to improve your score?

First reflect, then build a strategy

Before deciding anything, get specific about what happened.

  • Which areas didn't go the way you planned?
  • What did you genuinely struggle with: content, timing, or technique?
  • Then choose your route: a re-mark or a retake.

Two options sit in front of you; they're explained in full below.

By the numbers

A recent May session, at a glance

Context for where your results sit. The vast majority of candidates pass, and a single number rarely tells the whole story.

202,102
Candidates worldwide
81.9%
DP diploma pass rate
30.6
Average diploma score / 45
4.7
Average grade per subject / 7
~1.8%

of diploma candidates retook an exam last session, roughly 2,300 students giving their results a second chance.

Retake vs Re-mark

Deciding between a re-mark and a retake depends on how close you are to the grade boundary, the type of subject, and how much time you are willing to invest.

Quick turnaround

A Re-mark (EUR)

Your existing exam paper is re-evaluated by a senior examiner.

Who it is for: Students who are 1-2 marks away from the upper grade boundary.
Best subjects: Subjective subjects like English, History, or Economics where grading varies.

The drawback

Your grade can also go down. If you are near the lower boundary, avoid a re-mark.
A second chance

A Retake

You sit the exam again during the next (November) examination session.

Who it is for: Students who significantly missed their target and are willing to study.
Best subjects: Objective subjects like Maths or Sciences where a re-mark won't uncover "hidden" marks.

The advantage

It's risk-free for your grade: the highest score between the two sessions is the one that counts.

1 Remarks

Asking for a re-mark

A re-mark, formally an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR), has your work looked at again for more detailed feedback, and a chance to change your grade.

How it starts

Ask your DP Coordinator to submit an EUR on your behalf, you can't request one directly.

How long

EURs typically take around two weeks to come back.

The risk

A re-marked grade can go up or down, go in knowing that.

Different types of re-mark

EURs come in several categories; your coordinator can advise which applies. The most common are a re-mark of your externally assessed components and the return of your marked exam materials.

Other details to know

  • A re-mark can only happen once per subject.
  • Requests must be made within two months of results (by 31 August).
  • There's a cost, usually refunded if the grade changes.

2 Retakes

Sitting an exam again

A retake is another attempt at one or more exams (or IAs) in the next examination period, the November session.

The essentials

How retakes work

You can retake one or more of your exams in the November session.

Register early for a reduced rate, soon after results are released.
The final registration deadline falls in mid-October.

Good to know

If you retake, the highest score counts.
Retaking a subject with a curriculum change means sitting the new syllabus.
Where & how much

Logistics & cost

The practicalities depend on your school's policy.

It's up to your school whether they run retakes at all.
If they don't, you can retake with Lanterna at one of our partner schools in the UK instead as an external candidate.

The cost

There's a fee, set by wherever you retake, confirm it up front.
No school to sit at? Lanterna can provide an exam retake centre in the UK, so you're not left searching.

When can you retake?

The IB runs a November retake session every year. Here's how the months between results day and a fresh set of grades look with Lanterna alongside you.

  1. 1 Jul · Results

    Your May results arrive. Take a moment, then look at your options.

  2. 2 Jul–Aug · Decide

    Remark or retake? Choose with confidence on a free consultation.

  3. 3 Sep · Register

    Secure your exam centre and lock in your subjects for November.

  4. 4 Sep–Oct · Prepare

    Targeted tutoring with our teachers & specialists to ensure the best grade.

  5. 5 Nov · Resit

    Sit your retake exams at one of our UK partner centres.

  6. 6 Jan · New grades

    Receive improved results in time for your university routes.

Online tutoring for Retakes

For retakes we pair you with our expert IB teachers and specialists who know exactly what examiners are looking for, fully adapted to your needs and schedule.

Teachers

Teachers

  • Certified educators with an average of 15 years experience.
Specialists

Specialists

  • Teachers with IB examiner experience or senior markers
SEE OUR TUTORSSEE HOW IT WORKS

Why retake with Lanterna?

Thousands of IB students over the last 20+ years have chosen to retake their exams with Lanterna, here's why.

Full guidance

Full guidance

A dedicated student success coach builds your study schedule and supports you through the whole retakes process.

Quality control

Quality control

We check in regularly after your lessons to make sure the match is perfect and progress is on track.

UK exam centre

UK exam centre

Sit your retakes at one of our UK partner schools in November, even if you no longer have a school of your own.

Book your free consultation

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IB retake pre-registration

Thinking about
retakes?

Pre-register your interest early for IB retakes at one of our UK partner schools. Places are limited, and registering helps us guide you through your options.

Limited places available
Support from IB retake experts

Pre-registering your interest does not guarantee a place. Our team will follow up with next steps.

Book a free consultation

Our student success experts give you personalised advice on how to best succeed in your journey.

  • Free consultation, no obligation
  • Ask anything, get answers
  • Talk to an IB expert
  • Get a clear plan

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