IB Career-related Programme (IB CP): A guide

The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a Career-related Programme (CP) in authorised IB World Schools. This programme serves as an alternative to the IB Diploma Programme (DP). As with all IB programmes, the CP is recognised worldwide and provides a holistic approach to education, valuing student attributes alongside theoretical and practical knowledge.

IB CP meaning: What is the IB Career-related Programme?

The IB CP is designed to offer a unique, two-year vocational training experience for students who prefer a practical, career-focused approach to learning. The programme combines academic subjects with the demands of professional work and gives recognition for personal development.

The IB CP is ideal for students with a specific career or field of study in mind. It is particularly well-suited for those aiming for careers in STEM sectors, where graduates with both academic pursuits and practical work experience are valued.

What does the IB CP curriculum include?

The IB CP curriculum is split into three sections: IB Diploma Programme (DP) subject courses, Career-related studies, and the CP core – which is itself split into four components.

Diploma Programme (DP) courses

The IB CP curriculum is structured to provide students with subject-specific knowledge by incorporating at least two academic courses from the IB DP. The options for these courses are categorised into six subject areas, detailed in our guide to the IB DP. Students should select DP courses relevant to their career-related studies. Individual schools may limit the range of subject options available to students.

Career-related studies

Career-related studies form the most hands-on component of the CP curriculum. They give students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to their chosen career pathways. Schools select from a wide range of professional bodies for students to complete their career-related studies with, including:

• Pearson’s BTEC qualifications
• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• The World Academy of Sport

The CP core

Serving as a bridge between academic and vocational learning, the core section of the CP curriculum emphasises the development of essential skills through its four main components:

1. Personal and professional skills: Develop transferable skills essential for workplace success
2. Service learning: Apply academic knowledge and newly acquired skills to a community need
3. Language development: Communicate in more than one language to expand your international opportunities, in line with the IB’s international education ethos
4. Reflective project: Complete an extended research-based project exploring an ethical issue related to your field of study; it is completed over the course of the CP

How is the IB CP assessed?

IB qualifications are all graded against a set standard mark. Your final grade is based on overall performance across the three sections of the CP curriculum, unlike A Levels. This final grade can be converted to UCAS points using the tariff system for IB grades.

• The DP subject courses are assessed using exams, which are marked both externally and internally, and graded on a scale from 1 to 7.
• The career-related studies provide students with an industry-recognised certification alongside their IB CP qualification.
• The core’s reflective project is graded A-E by the school and moderated by the IB. The other three components require authentication of participation.

How flexible is the IB CP for specialising in STEM?

The IB CP is an excellent option for students who wish to focus on STEM subjects, without limiting themselves to the content-heavy approach of A Levels. Unlike the IB DP, the CP curriculum allows for a comprehensive focus on STEM across all three sections of its curriculum.

• IB DP courses: The IB CP allows students to select two subjects from the IB DP, both of which can be in STEM fields.
• Career-related studies: The wide range of STEM providers available ensures that IB CP students can find opportunities that align with their STEM interests and career aspirations.
• CP core: Within the core section, service learning can be tailored to address a community need related to STEM, providing practical experience and community engagement.

Additionally, knowledge of a non-native language will need to be evidenced for the core. The cognitive skills developed through language learning are often seen to complement and enhance STEM education.

IB CP vs IB DP: What are the key differences?

The IB DP and CP offer distinct educational pathways to suit the needs and career goals of different students. While both programmes uphold the rigorous standards of the IB framework, they differ in structure, focus, and assessment methods.

Whilst the CP is ideal for students who want to blend academic learning with vocational training, the DP offers a more traditional, academically-focused curriculum. The following table highlights the key differences between the CP and DP:

To decide which qualification is best for you, read our guide on the IB DP alongside this one. Consider whether you want to focus your education on a specific career pathway or keep your options open for a broader range of opportunities.

Explore my options with the IB CP

Where can the IB CP lead?

Equipping students with both academic and vocational skills, the CP paves the way for university, vocational study, and direct employment in STEM. This was reflected in the UK parliament’s study into the career and higher education progression of IB CP graduates:

Which universities recognise the IB CP?

The IB’s worldwide recognition ensures students can use their IB CP qualification to apply to universities worldwide. The IB CP’s recognition for applications to UK universities can vary; a list of universities that recognise the IB CP was updated in 2018. If there is a particular university of interest to you it is worth contacting university admissions to enquire directly.

It is worth noting that the IB DP and A Levels have been around longer than the IB CP, so are more widely studied and recognised. As a result, IB CP university recognition is lower, and the number of UK CP graduates that progress to university is almost 10% lower than for its equivalent qualifications.

IB CP benefits for STEM university applications

Each section of the IB CP curriculum offers distinct advantages that can enhance your university application:

1. The DP courses provide subject-specific knowledge, learnt in a manner which prepares students for the intensity of STEM higher education.
2. The career-related studies showcase your goal-oriented mindset and drive, traits that are highly attractive to universities.
3. Learning an additional language (part of the core section) has been linked to higher academic achievement in higher education.

IB CP benefits for a career in STEM

The CP is unique in its ability to prepare students for the world of work. With many CP graduates moving straight into employment, most companies employing secondary school graduates will recognise the CP. Students with specific career aspirations can consult with potential employers to determine the programme’s suitability for their future goals.

Regardless, employers will value the skills that the CP promises to develop:

• Lifelong transferable skills, suitable for any career
• Critical and ethical thinking
• Confidence
• Independent working

IB CP benefits for vocational qualifications in STEM

Vocational qualifications are a natural progression from the IB CP, thanks to the vocational training its graduates have already acquired. The career-related studies, service learning, and reflective project, all mirror the learning style in further vocational qualifications.

You can also consider vocational qualifications as an alternative to the IB CP. However, if you would prefer to pursue a career while continuing to study some academic subjects, the CP allows just that.

Vocational qualifications include:

• Business and Technology Education Council qualifications (BTECs)
• National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)
• T Levels
• Apprenticeships

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FAQs

Who is the IB CP designed for?

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP) is ideal for students in their final two years of secondary education, who have specific career aspirations and want to combine academic excellence with practical vocational training.

What are the entry requirements for the IB CP?

To be eligible to take the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP), the requirements are:

• Be in the last two years of secondary education (although flexible entry ages may be discussed with your specific school).
• Attend an IB World School.
• Have a strong foundational knowledge in subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and humanities (usually demonstrated by previous qualifications). If GCSE’s have been taken, grades of 5 or 6 in STEM subjects are often expected.

What is the IB CP equivalent to in the UK?

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP) is a more career-focused equivalent to the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP), A Levels, and other vocational qualifications which can also be taken at 16-18 years.

What support is available for IB CP students?

Schools provide a structured environment for students to succeed in their academic subjects, career-related studies, and the CP core. This includes:

• Teaching for all content in the subject courses
• Guidance from teachers
• Career counselling (school dependent)
• An IB Answers Team to answer any student questions
• Access to educational resources

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes have a heavier emphasis on guided learning than A Levels, which typically require more independent study and self-motivation.

How much does the IB CP cost?

As with the IB Diploma Programme (DP), whether you have to pay to study the IB Career-related Programme (CP) depends on the type of school you attend. In many countries, state schools offer the IB CP free of charge, although there may be additional costs for materials, exams, and activities. Private and international schools typically charge tuition fees, which can vary widely based on the school’s location, reputation, and facilities. However, many schools provide financial aid and scholarships to help cover these costs.

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