IB Retake and Resit Exam Preparation
If you are considering retaking (resitting) an IB exam to raise your IB Diploma grade, we offer online preparation support and process guidance in the subjects you are targeting.
Quick Answer
An IB retake means sitting an exam again in a later session (May or November) to raise your grade in one or more subjects. We provide online one-to-one preparation lessons in the subjects you are retaking, and we guide you on whether a remark or a retake is more appropriate, which subject is worth retaking, and how the process works. Official exam-centre registration and applications are handled through your school or registered exam centre.
Retake or Remark?
If your result came back lower than expected, there are two main options: a remark (a request for re-evaluation) and a retake (sitting the exam again). A remark is a re-marking of your existing exam paper and usually makes sense when you are very close to a grade boundary. A retake means studying the subject again and sitting it in a later session.
Which route suits you depends on your current grade, your goal, your university application timeline and your performance profile in the subject. In the consultation we evaluate this decision together, then build a preparation plan for the subjects you choose.
What Does Our Preparation Cover?
Retake preparation needs a different approach from the first attempt: we pinpoint where you lost marks and focus on those areas. We do intensive practice with past papers, structure answers according to the IB assessment criteria, and work on time management.
If an IA component affected your grade and you are eligible to resubmit, we review your IA work against the IB rubrics and provide feedback. All lessons are held online via our live tutoring platform.
What We Offer for Retake Preparation
Targeted Revision
A targeted programme that focuses on the topics where you lost marks rather than repeating your first-attempt study.
Past-Paper Practice
Intensive practice with past exam questions and answer structuring aligned with the IB markscheme.
Remark/Retake Guidance
Data-informed guidance on remark vs. retake and which subject to retake. (Official applications go through your school/centre.)
Flexible Online Schedule
Live online lessons planned around your availability up to the May or November exam session.
IA Review
If you are eligible to resubmit, your IA work is reviewed against the IB assessment criteria.
Experienced IB Teachers
You work with teachers well-versed in the assessment criteria, some of whom have IB Examiner experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I retake an IB exam?
IB exams are held twice a year: May and November. You can retake one or more subjects in the next available session. Official registration and the timeline are handled through your school or registered exam centre.
Do you register me at the exam centre?
No. We provide preparation support and process guidance for the subjects you are retaking. Official exam registration and applications are handled through your school or registered IB exam centre. We help you clarify which steps you need to take.
Can I retake just one subject?
Yes. You can retake a single subject you want to raise your grade in. You can take our preparation support only for the subject(s) you need.
How does my retake grade affect my diploma?
As a general rule, the new grade from the subject you retake is compared with your previous grade, and usually the higher one counts. For how this applies to your diploma, we recommend confirming with your school's IB coordinator.
Official exam registration, remark/retake applications and diploma rules are determined by the IB and your exam centre; we do not handle these. No specific grade increase or outcome is guaranteed.
Start Raising Your Grade
Get a free consultation to discuss which subject you need retake preparation in.