How the IB Diploma works
The Diploma Programme has six subject groups plus a core of three parts: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Students take three or four subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). Each subject is graded 1 to 7. The six subjects give up to 42 points, and Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay together add up to 3 more, for a maximum of 45. The minimum to be awarded the diploma is 24 points, with further conditions, which the IB sets out on its passing criteria page.
Assessment mixes external exams marked by IB examiners with internal assessment done in school, marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB. There are two sessions a year, May and November.
Mathematics: AA or AI
The IB offers two mathematics courses, each at SL and HL: Analysis and approaches (analytical methods and proof) and Applications and interpretation (modelling and statistics in real-world contexts). A student takes one. According to the IB, the current courses are assessed for the last time in November 2028, so nothing changes for candidates examined in 2027 or 2028; a new curriculum is taught from 2027 and first assessed in 2029.
How to prepare with Tutix today
- Start a class and name the subject. Type the subject and level, for example IB Mathematics AA HL or IB Biology SL. The wizard suggests what the classes should cover, and you can edit it.
- Attach your syllabus or your own notes if you have them, so the tutor teaches the topics your course actually lists.
- Choose a tutor and a rhythm. Seven tutor personalities; a fixed weekly time, week by week, or start whenever you like.
- Join the class. You talk, the tutor teaches on a shared whiteboard and slides, and reads what you write while you are still in class.
- Read the recap. After each class you see what was covered and what is next, and the next class starts from there.
EchoAI tutor
Example
IB · Mathematics: analysis and approaches · Logarithms
Solve log2 x = 5.
A logarithm answers a question: log2 x = 5 says 2 raised to what power gives x? Here the power is 5. Write that as an equation.
A sample written to show how a class sounds. The scores show how the exam would credit each answer. Not a real learner.
Ready-made programs exist today for AP and IGCSE, drawn side by side on the Programs page; for the IB, the tutor builds the classes from your own syllabus or notes.
What it costs
You can start on the Free plan: 45 live class minutes a month (about one class of the default length), no card needed. Pro is $15 a month for 6 hours of live class time, and Pro+ is $30 for 15 hours.
| Plan | Price | Live class time a month | Works out to | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 45 min | about one class | No card needed |
| Pro | $15 a month | 360 min (6 hours) | $2.50 an hour | $150 a year if paid yearly |
| Pro+ | $30 a month | 900 min (15 hours) | $2 an hour | $300 a year if paid yearly |
| Pico | No monthly fee | Pay as you go | $3 an hour ($0.05 a minute) | Paid from a wallet you top up |
The hourly figure is the plan's price divided by the live class hours it includes, when you use them all. Live class time is the tutor teaching you; other limits (study items, messages, uploads) are on the pricing page.
Questions people ask
Does Tutix have an IB program?
Not ready-made yet. You can start a class in any IB subject today: name the subject and level, attach your notes, and the tutor builds the classes around them.
How is the IB Diploma scored?
Six subjects are each graded 1 to 7, for up to 42 points, and Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay add up to 3 more, for a maximum of 45. The minimum for the diploma is 24 points, with further conditions.
What is the difference between HL and SL?
Higher Level courses are studied in more depth than Standard Level; the IB recommends 240 teaching hours for HL and 150 for SL. Students take three or four subjects at HL and the rest at SL.
Can the tutor help with my internal assessment or Extended Essay?
It can explain the criteria and discuss your reasoning. It is built to help you understand, not to write them: the IB requires them to be your own work.
Is Tutix affiliated with the IB?
No. IB and International Baccalaureate are registered trademarks of the International Baccalaureate Organization, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Tutix.
Sources
- The IB Diploma Programme: curriculum and assessment, International Baccalaureate Organization (accessed October 21, 2026)
- The Diploma Programme: assessment and exams, International Baccalaureate Organization (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Diploma Programme passing criteria, International Baccalaureate Organization (accessed October 21, 2026)
- Mathematics in the Diploma Programme, International Baccalaureate Organization (accessed October 21, 2026)
- DP and CP exam schedule, International Baccalaureate Organization (accessed October 21, 2026)
Keep reading
AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site. Cambridge IGCSE® and Cambridge International AS & A Level are trademarks of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site. IB and International Baccalaureate® are registered trademarks of the International Baccalaureate Organization, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.
