IB and AP: A comparison
The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs are similar in many ways, but there also are significant differences. In particular, IB is an integrated program of courses across many subjects, while AP is a cafeteria-style plan of individual high-level courses. IB assessments are also more intricate and comprehensive, and IB courses often go into more depth than their AP equivalents.
A full description of both IB and AP programs, produced jointly by the International Baccalaureate Organization and the College Board, is available online (PDF format)
| International Baccalaureate | Advanced Placement |
| International program | Predominantly U.S. program |
| Integrated, comprehensive curriculum of college-level courses | Individual college-level courses |
| Students must be enrolled in a certified IB school to qualify for IB exams | Any student may take AP exams, even without taking the associated course |
| Exams are conceptual, focusing on analysis and written essays | Exams are content-specific and predominantly multiple-choice, concentrating on what a student knows |
| Exams are graded by educators from around the world | Exams are scored by Educational Testing Services |
| Evaluations include written exams, oral exams, teacher assessment, projects, papers and other classwork | Evaluation consists of a single written exam for each AP course (oral exams in foreign language) |
| Students are assessed in each of six subject areas required for the IB diploma | Students choose which AP exams they will take, and can thus concentrate on areas of strength |
| Program requires extended essay, Creativity Action Service hours, Theory of Knowledge course | No additional requirements |
Universities often recognize both the IB and AP programs through their admissions process, the granting of advanced course standing and the granting of college credit. The University of California system awards 30 quarter units to students who earn an IB Diploma with 30 points or more, or 8 quarter units for eash IB Higher Level exam score of 5 or higher.