IB Remark Procedure Explained

Feeling disheartened because your IB results didn't quite meet your expectations? Don't worry  –  there's a process for requesting a re-evaluation of your exam papers. Welcome to our guide on the IB remark procedure, where we'll explain everything you need to know about getting a second review of your exams. 

IB Remark Procedure Explained

The IB Remark Procedure, or as the IB calls it, the "Enquiry Upon Results" (EUR), is a service provided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization that allows students to request a review of their external or internal assessments if they believe their final grades do not accurately reflect their performance. This process involves a re-marking or re-assessment of the student's work by a senior examiner. It is important to mention, that a remark procedure can only be initiated with the permission of the school's IB Coordinator. Also, written consent of the candidate (or their legal guardian) is required.  

Students may request 4 different types of EuRs: 

• Category 1 Remark  –  this type of EuR is used when students wish to have the externally assessed components of a subject re-marked. It is typically conducted by senior IB examiners to identify and correct any potential errors in the initial grading. It is important to mention that in a Category 1 EuR a student's grade may increase, remain the same or even decrease. Hence we strongly advise to carefully consider your situation before requesting this remark procedure. 

   

• Category 1 Report  –  since a Category 1 Remark may not include specific feedback, students who want to understand how their marks were awarded and identify the previous marking errors should request a Category 1 Report. 

   

• Category 2A  –  this type of EuR is available to only teachers and faculty members. Category 2A EuR is used when a teacher wishes to review given externally assessed component (e.g. Paper 2). 

   

• Category 2B  –  this type of EuR is available to only teachers and faculty members. Category 2B EuR is used when a teacher wishes to review all of the externally assessed material in a given subject. 

   

• Category 3  –  this type of EuR is used when the average of the candidates' moderated IA marks differs significantly from the teacher-awarded marks, with a difference of at least 15% of the total marks for the subject's IA component. In the Category 3 EuR, the grades may only increase or remain the same. 

EuR Grade Changes

• Category 1  –  the student's grade may increase, decrease, or remain the same after the remark 
• Category 1 Report  –  there is no grade change in this EuR. This EuR only allows students to examine the marking. 
• Category 2A  –  since in this category no remarking takes place, there is no grade change 
• Category 2B  –  since in this category no remarking takes place, there is no grade change 
• Category 3  –  grades may only increase or remain the same. 

Remark Procedure Fees

For each of the above categories students must pay $89. If however the student's grade changes as a result of a Category 1 EuR, the IBO will refund the payment.

Remark Procedure Duration 

• Category 1  –  up to 18 days
• Category 1 Report  –  up to 30 days
• Category 2A  –  up to 18 days
• Category 2B  –  up to 18 days
• Category 3  –  up to 40 days

How to request an EuR?

As mentioned, in order to request an Enquiry upon Results, students need the approval of their school's IB Coordinator. Students should email their Coordinator to initiate the process, and the Coordinator will handle the subsequent steps

Is the remark procedure worth it?

Most students consider getting a Category 1 remark, which involves a re-mark of the entire external component of a given subject. The outcome of a remark can vary: grades might increase, decrease, or stay the same. Students should therefore carefully consider their situation before making the decision to request a remark. Remember to assess the importance of the potential grade increase. For instance, if the current grade is crucial for meeting university entry requirements, the benefits of a higher grade might outweigh the risks. Secondly, think about your performance on the exam. If you are only a few points from the upper grade boundary, a remark may turn out to be very helpful. However, it's essential to weigh these potential benefits against the risks and costs. There's a chance the grade could go down, and the remark process itself is expensive, costing around 89 euros. Ultimately, students should consider whether the potential advantages justify the costs and risks involved. 

We hope you found this post useful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.