Need to Retake Your IB Exams?
With expert help, a clear strategy, and the right support, you can take control of your IB retake — and get the results you need.
Here’s How to Crush Your Second Attempt.
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We’ve helped thousands of IB students over the past decade improve their scores, earn their diplomas, and move forward with confidence.
Whether you just missed the 24-point threshold or need to retake one or two subjects for university, we’ll guide you through your IB exam retakes with proven strategies and one-on-one support that works.
Why Retake the IB Exams? (And When It’s the Right Move)
If you're considering an IB retake, chances are something didn't go the way you hoped - and now you're looking for a way forward.
The truth is, retaking one or more IB subjects is more common than you might think, and often the smartest move you can make.
This page is for you if:
You missed out on the IB diploma — maybe you didn’t reach the 24-point minimum, or your core requirements (TOK, EE, CAS) brought you down.
You passed the IB but didn't meet the conditions for your university offer and need to bump up one or two subjects.
You did your best, but your results don’t reflect your actual ability — and now you're determined to do better the second time around.
You studied without the right support, ran out of time, or followed advice that didn’t pay off - and now you’re ready for a more focused, expert approach.
You're retaking as an external candidate, without access to regular school support or structured guidance.
Whatever your reason, you’re not alone. Thousands of IB students retake exams every year, and with the right support, many go on to achieve the results they need — without repeating all the stress.
Not sure if a retake is right for you? Book a trial lesson and talk it through with one of our IB experts.
Why So Many Students Struggle with IB Exams
If you’re preparing for an IB exam retake, it’s easy to feel like you just didn’t try hard enough - but in most cases, effort wasn’t the problem. Strategy was.
We work with students every year who studied for hours, followed their teacher’s advice, and still came out with scores that didn’t reflect their potential. So what went wrong?
It’s usually one — or a mix — of the following:
You didn’t have a clear plan. Maybe you started too late, or focused on the wrong topics. Maybe you just didn’t know how to prioritize.
You had the wrong resources. IB is its own world. Generic videos or outdated notes often leave huge gaps.
You didn’t get the support you needed. Some students had absent teachers or weak feedback. Others were told they were “on track” until results day said otherwise.
You studied hard, but not efficiently. Reading your notes on repeat is exhausting - and not effective. Techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and targeted past paper work are game-changers many students never get taught.
You had too much going on. Sometimes stress, health, or personal situations take over - and it’s hard to bounce back without help.
Getting ready for your IB retake? Book a trial lesson now and get matched with the perfect tutor to help you succeed this time.
Master every IB subject with our expert tutors
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IB Math
Navigate abstract concepts and problem-solving with precision, exploring the language of numbers and patterns.
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![IB Physics Icon]()
IB Physics
Unravel the universe's mysteries through experimentation and theory, mastering the laws governing matter, energy, and forces.
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![IB Chemistry Icon]()
IB Chemistry
Explore the composition and transformations of matter, diving deep into the microscopic realm of substances.
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![IB Biology Icon]()
IB Biology
Investigate life's intricacies, from cells to ecosystems, unraveling evolution, genetics, and the interplay of organisms and environment.
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![IB History Icon]()
IB History
Journey through time and space, dissecting the past to understand the present and human endeavors' course.
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![IB Economics Icon]()
IB Economics
Decode market dynamics, policies, and human behavior, exploring production, distribution, and consumption in a globalized world.
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![IB English Icon]()
IB English
Analyze literature's richness, exploring diverse voices and narratives that shape our understanding of the human experience.
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![IB Spanish Icon]()
IB Spanish
Immerse in Spanish language and culture, mastering communication and exploring Spanish-speaking communities' heritage.
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![IB French Icon]()
IB French
Dive into Francophone culture and language, mastering expression and discovering the diversity of French-speaking societies.
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![IB Chinese Icon]()
IB Chinese
Unlock one of the world's oldest languages, delving into characters, tones, and cultural nuances to connect with a rich heritage.
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![IB Visual Arts Icon]()
IB Visual Arts
Express creativity through various mediums, exploring concepts and techniques reflecting the human experience.
Our Proven IB Exam Retake Strategy
Most IB students who retake their exams don’t change how they prepare - they just try harder, not smarter.
But if the strategy didn’t work the first time, it’s unlikely to work the second. That’s where we come in.
We don’t believe in generic tutoring or one-size-fits-all advice. Every student’s situation is different - and so is our approach. Whether you need to retake one subject or several, we’ll build a plan that’s focused, strategic, and fully tailored to your needs. Here’s what sets our retake support apart:
Personalized Game Plan
We begin by looking at your previous scores, feedback, and performance. Then we create a focused study plan that targets your weak points, prioritizes what matters most, and fits your timeline. No guesswork. No wasted effort.
2. Top IB Tutors Graduates,Teachers, and Examiners
You’ll be matched with a subject expert who knows the IB inside-out — an IB graduate who scored a 7 or worked as an IB teacher, or even as an IB examiner. You won’t just understand the content — you’ll understand what the examiners are actually looking for.
3. Smarter Study Methods
Most students re-read notes or highlight aimlessly. We’ll teach you techniques that actually work — like active recall, spaced repetition, and exam-style practice — to help you retain what matters and stay on track.
4. Strategic Past Paper Practice
Success on exam day starts with targeted practice. We’ll guide you through real IB past papers, marking schemes, and model responses so you can see patterns, refine your approach, and build confidence over time.
5. Exam Technique & Time Management
We’ll help you master the skills that can make or break your score — from structuring essays under pressure to managing your time across papers. You’ll walk into your retake feeling calm, clear, and in control.
6. One-on-One Support and Encouragement
Retaking the IB can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to. You’ll work one-on-one with a dedicated tutor who knows your subject, understands your challenges, and gives clear, honest feedback. You won’t waste time second-guessing yourself — you’ll know exactly what to work on, and how to get it done.
This is what we wish every student had the first time around.
If you're ready to prepare differently - and actually see results - we're here to help.
Let's get your retake plan in motion.
Real IB Exam Retake Student Success Stories
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"I failed my IB Chemistry HL exam with a 3. I honestly thought I was done. My tutor from Think Smart helped me rebuild everything from the ground up — and I ended up scoring a 6 in my retake. I got into my first-choice university."
Maxim Schaillee
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“We tried multiple tutors before landing on Think Smart. Their approach was completely different — strategic, calm, and effective. Our daughter went from a 4 in Math SL to a 6 in her November retake, and she finally received her diploma.”
Sachiko Gause
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“I missed the 24-point diploma requirement by just two points. My tutor helped me target the exact areas where I could gain marks. We focused on Paper 1 and Paper 2 structure and my Extended Essay. I ended up getting my diploma after all.”
IB retake student, combined subject support
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"My son needed tutoring for IB Physics HL. Think Smart provided a very good and well prepared tutor and organized contacts, lessons and payments in a very professional way. I would definitely recommend this great tutoring agency to any IB student who needs some support!"
P. Montaguti Garutti
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"I have had a math tutor from TST for around a year now and I am really enjoying it. My math grades have clearly gone up (from a 3 in the beginning of the year to a 5 at the end) and I enjoy math much more now. I would definetly recommend the tutors from TST."
Lara Oster
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"I have been receiving tutoring in math for almost a year. It has definitely helped to increase my grades and the tutor is friendly and helpful."
Alex Evans
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"Great learning experience. For 3 years now I have received tutoring from them. They are able to help me with many academic subjects and throughout the years have definitely improved my potential as a student. Definitely worth a try for students struggling at school!"
Hank
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"We tried many tutors recommended to us at school but none of them were able to help our daughter. Thankfully, Think Smart was able to help our daughter improve her knowledge and understanding in Maths SL."
Mr. Lambert
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"My son was struggling with mathematics up until David (our tutor) came to our aid. I will recommend your services and certainly use them for my other son. Thank you."
Mrs. Dijkstra
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"Tutoring has been of great help for our son. Thanks a lot!"
Mrs. de Groot
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"My tutor, Evan, was very patient and always willing to work with what times I had available for tutoring sessions. He also motivated me and helped me especially with my IB math exam. Before the tutoring sessions I did not feel prepared but after I felt ready for the test. Thank you to Evan for his help and support during the stress of IB exams."
Jonas Rutherford
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"The tutor was flexible with the hours which was really helpful. He was always friendly and tried to make the topics as easy as possible to understand without making you feel stupid. He could always help you even if you text him out of session hours. 10/10 experience."
Elena Mancheva
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"The tutor was always on time and flexible for the hours, which was really helpful. We had taken a 4 hours package (2 maths and 2 physics) and the tutor's level was impressive, and she really showed quality on her understanding the difficulties the student faced."
Le
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"I had the great opportunity to work on my economics IA with Alex. He provided clear and concise explanations and was very knowledgeable about the subject. He was always available to answer my questions and we could always meet at a time that suited us both. I really appreciated his support throughout the process."
Louvv
Ready to start your retake plan? We’ll get you matched with the right tutor right away.
What to Expect When You Start Tutoring with Us
Getting support should feel simple — not like another project. Here’s how we make it easy to get started:
Free phone consult to understand your situation and what you’re aiming for
Matched with an expert IB tutor within 48 hours
Flexible tutoring packages — use your hours across different subjects as needed
Customized study plan based on your past results, timing, and target scores
Ongoing one-on-one sessions scheduled at your convenience
Access to the best IB resources we’ve collected and curated over the years
Support between sessions — message your tutor if questions come up
Add more hours anytime if you want extra help as exams get closer
Not sure if a retake is right for you? Book a trial lesson and talk it through with one of our IB experts.
IB Exam Retakes FAQs
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Yes. You can retake a single IB exam without redoing the full diploma. Most students retake one or two subjects to boost their score or meet diploma or university requirements.
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IB retakes happen in May and November. If you took your exams in May, your next chance is usually that November. Registration deadlines can be early — we’ll help you plan for it.
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Yes. You can retake as an external IB candidate, even after finishing school or starting university. You’ll just need to register through a school that accepts retakers.
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Usually not. You can carry over your Internal Assessments and other coursework if the syllabus hasn’t changed. If your IA hurt your grade, you might want to improve it — we can help you decide.
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There’s no longer a limit. You can retake your IB exams as many times as you need — but with the right support, most students only need one more try.
Still unsure about your IB exam retake situation?
Contact us and we’ll talk you through your best next step
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning to retake one or more IB exams, the sooner we begin, the more prepared you’ll be - and the less stressful the process will feel.
We’ve helped thousands of students turn second attempts into success stories. With the right support and a clear plan, you don’t have to go through this alone - or guess at what to do differently this time.
We’ll pair you with the right tutor, build a strategy around your specific goals, and make sure this retake works.