The IB is preparing to introduce on-screen, digital examinations for Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) students to better reflect how students learn and engage with the world today.
Digital examinations will provide new ways to support our global community of 180,000+ DP and CP students across 5,500+ schools in more than 160 countries, who already take IB exams in a wide range of subjects, languages, and time zones.
Exams will be taken on laptops or desktop computers within IB schools and will initially mirror existing paper-based assessments to ensure fairness and comparability.
As with all meaningful learning, transformation takes time — and it should. We’re approaching this shift with care, curiosity, and a commitment to ongoing reflection and improvement. It’s this principled, deliberate approach that will allow us to deliver something truly impactful for IB students, schools, examiners, and staff.
As we teach our students, learning doesn’t just come from doing — it comes from taking the time to reflect and grow. That same IB mindset will guide us as we shape the future of assessment.
“We believe this change will give our students the capabilities and confidence to make a real difference in an increasingly digital world.” — Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General, IB
“The live specimens reflect how far we’ve come — and how much we continue to learn as we shape a sustainable, scalable approach to digital assessment that works for IB World Schools globally.” — Loïc Tallon, Chief Digital Officer
“We’re supporting schools by running paper and digital exams in parallel — helping everyone build confidence in the logistics and teaching approaches. Ensuring fairness and comparability is our top priority.” — Matthew Glanville, Director of Assessment, IB
What’s happening today?
The best way for schools to understand what’s changing — and what’s not — is to explore the specimen digital examinations now available exclusively to IB World Schools via the Programme Resource Centre (PRC), in English, French, and Spanish.
These no-pressure materials are designed to help schools, teachers, and students become familiar with the digital format well in advance.
This page will be updated regularly to share news and insights as the transformation unfolds.
Want to learn more?
Go to Ask a question
If you are an IB World School, you can also Register Your Interest to take part in research and a future session.
 and Career-related Programme (CP) students to better reflect how students learn and engage with the world today.){kind=icon}