Process of Obtaining IB Accreditation
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most respected educational frameworks in the world, known for its academic rigor, global perspective, and holistic approach to student development. Schools that wish to offer IB programs must go through a structured and comprehensive process of accreditation. This process ensures that institutions meet the high standards set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and are fully prepared to implement the IB curriculum with integrity and excellence. Understanding the process of obtaining IB accreditation can help school leaders, educators, and parents appreciate the dedication and transformation required to become an IB World School.
Step 1: Consideration and Commitment
The journey toward IB accreditation begins with a school’s internal decision to pursue the IB. School leadership evaluates whether the IB philosophy aligns with their mission, resources, and long-term vision. During this phase, the school conducts preliminary research, engages stakeholders, and assesses its readiness to adopt an inquiry-based, student-centered approach to education.
Once the decision is made, the school submits an Application for Candidacy to the IBO. If approved, the school gains “candidate status” and moves on to the next phase.
Step 2: Candidacy Phase
The candidacy phase typically lasts 1.5 to 3 years and is the most intensive part of the process. During this time, the school works to align its practices, policies, and culture with IB standards. Key activities include:
Curriculum development: Designing transdisciplinary units (PYP), interdisciplinary instruction (MYP), or subject-aligned lessons (DP/CP) according to IB frameworks.
Professional development: Teachers and administrators undergo official IB training to learn about the program structure, assessment strategies, and the IB Learner Profile.
Policy formulation: Schools must develop formal policies on assessment, language instruction, academic honesty, and inclusion.
Resource planning: The school ensures that adequate staff, facilities, and learning materials are available to support IB implementation.
An IB-assigned consultant works closely with the school during this phase, offering guidance and feedback.
Step 3: Request for Authorization
Once the school has implemented key elements of the IB program and feels confident in its readiness, it submits a Request for Authorization to the IBO. This signals that the school believes it has met all necessary requirements to become an IB World School.
Step 4: Verification Visit
Following the request, an official IB verification team visits the school. During this Verification Visit, the team evaluates how well the school has implemented the IB standards and practices by:
Observing classes
Interviewing staff, students, and parents
Reviewing documentation and policies
Assessing the overall school environment and leadership structure
The team then submits a report to the IBO with recommendations, commendations, and an authorization decision.
Step 5: Authorization and Beyond
If the school meets all criteria, it is granted IB World School status and is authorized to offer the respective IB program(s). However, the process does not end there. Schools must participate in regular evaluations every five years and commit to ongoing professional development and curriculum refinement to maintain accreditation.
The Approach at Kintess
At Kintess, the process of obtaining IB accreditation is seen not just as a milestone but as a transformation. The school pursued the Primary Years Programme (PYP) with full commitment, ensuring that every stakeholder from teachers to families was engaged in the journey. Educators participated in extensive IB training and collaborated to design inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units that reflect global perspectives and student agency. Kintess also revised its language and assessment policies to align with IB standards and built a culture of reflection and international-mindedness across all grade levels. Today, Kintess continues to refine its practices in line with IB principles, ensuring that students receive an education rooted in curiosity, compassion, and global relevance.
The process of obtaining IB accreditation is a rigorous yet rewarding path that transforms schools into dynamic, learner-centered environments. From initial consideration to official authorization, the journey demands strategic planning, professional development, and cultural change. Schools like Kintess demonstrate how this process can enrich education at every level, leading to meaningful experiences that empower students to thrive in an interconnected world. For schools committed to excellence, IB accreditation is not just a status it’s a continuous journey of growth and innovation.