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Assessment in the Diploma Program


Assessment is by means of examination and practical for both higher and standard level chemistry courses.

Examination weighting   - 80%  
Practical work weighting   - 20%  

Examination (higher level)

There are three papers:

Paper 1 Multiple choice   - 20%
Paper 2 Structured questions   - 40%
Paper 3 Options questions   - 20%
  Total   - 80%

Paper 1 (high): 1 hour consists of 40 multiple choice questions. Calculators are not allowed. A periodic table is provided

Paper 2 (high): 2 hours 15 minutes consists of five structured questions and a choice of two from four longer answer questions. Calculators are allowed and a data booklet is provided

Paper 3 (high): 1 hour 15 minutes consists of two sections

  • A: Data base type questions
  • B: Option question. The paper presents four option choices. Calculators are allowed and data booklets are provided.

Exam timing


Examination (standard level)

There are three papers:

Paper 1 Multiple choice   - 20%
Paper 2 Structured questions   - 36%
Paper 3 Options questions   - 24%
  Total   - 80%

Paper 1 (standard): 45 minutes consists of 30 multiple choice questions. Calculators are not allowed. A periodic table is provided

Paper 2 (standard): 1 hours 15 minutes consists of some structured questions and a choice of one from three longer answer questions. Calculators are allowed and a data booklet is provided

Paper 3 (standard): 1 hour consists of two sections

  • A: Data base type questions
  • B: Option question. The paper presents four option choices. Calculators are allowed and data booklets are provided.

Exam timing


Examination action verbs

As with all examinations, it is important to know what the examiners require. The IBO releases a list of key words and what they mean when referring to exam questions.

For example the word "Draw" is taken to mean "represent by a series of pencil lines and labels (unless specifically told not to do so)" This leaves the students clear as to the actual requirements of the questions. A full list of these so-called action verbs can be found here


Practical (Internal) Assessment (2016)

The criteria totals add up to 24 points, which are then scaled down to a mark out of 20.

Final grades

The final grade awarded for an IB subject is from 1-7. The schools receive a breakdown of the grade achieved in each part of the exam.

The requirements to achieve the IB diploma are fairly complex and may be found here: IB diploma award requirements

Note: past papers - disclaimer