Steps to Apply for IB Accreditation
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers one of the most respected and comprehensive educational frameworks in the world. Schools that wish to implement the IB’s programs Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), or Career-related Programme (CP) must undergo a detailed application and evaluation process to achieve official IB World School status. Understanding the steps to apply for IB accreditation is essential for school leaders committed to delivering a world-class, inquiry-driven education.
Step 1: Preliminary Research and Readiness
Before applying, school leaders must engage in detailed research to determine whether the IB aligns with their mission, educational philosophy, and long-term goals. This step includes reviewing IB’s core values, assessing the school’s ability to support inquiry-based and student-centered learning, and ensuring readiness in terms of staffing, leadership, and infrastructure.
The school should designate an IB coordinator or team responsible for managing the application process and engaging staff in foundational IB training and discussions.
Step 2: Application for Candidacy
Once a school decides to move forward, it submits the Application for Candidacy to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). This formal application includes key information about the school’s background, vision, leadership, student body, and current educational practices.
If the application is accepted, the school receives candidate status and is permitted to begin implementing elements of the IB framework under guidance from an IB-appointed consultant.
Step 3: Candidacy Phase
The candidacy phase typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the school’s readiness and pace of implementation. During this period, the school:
Aligns its curriculum with IB standards by designing units of inquiry or subject-based frameworks depending on the program (PYP, MYP, DP, or CP).
Develops core policies, including language, inclusion, academic honesty, and assessment policies.
Trains staff through official IB professional development workshops and collaborative planning sessions.
Begins integrating IB philosophy into teaching practices, student assessments, and school-wide culture.
Establishes internal systems for documentation, communication, and ongoing self-evaluation.
The IB consultant provides feedback, monitors progress, and helps ensure the school is on the right track.
Step 4: Request for Authorization
Once the school has implemented the required elements and feels ready, it submits a Request for Authorization. This application includes documentation of policies, sample curriculum units, teaching schedules, evidence of professional development, and reflections on the school’s readiness.
This signals that the school is prepared to undergo formal evaluation by the IB verification team.
Step 5: Verification Visit
The International Baccalaureate sends a team of trained evaluators to conduct a Verification Visit. During this visit, the team:
Observes classrooms and teaching practices
Interviews teachers, administrators, students, and parents
Reviews documentation and school policies
Assesses alignment with IB standards and practices
The verification team submits a report to the IBO with their findings, which will determine whether the school is authorized.
Step 6: Authorization and Beyond
If the school meets all requirements, it receives official IB World School status and is authorized to offer the chosen program. Accreditation is valid for five years, after which the school must undergo a re-evaluation. During this time, the school continues professional development, reflection, and program enhancement.
The Approach at Kintess
At Kintess, applying for IB accreditation was approached as a school-wide transformation. The leadership team initiated the candidacy process by engaging teachers, parents, and students in understanding the IB philosophy. Kintess adopted the PYP and committed to deep professional development, interdisciplinary curriculum planning, and reflective teaching practices. Educators collaborated on inquiry-based units and received IB-certified training, while school-wide policies were revised to meet IB standards. Throughout the candidacy and verification stages, Kintess maintained open communication with families and fostered a learning culture rooted in curiosity, respect, and international-mindedness. Today, the IB framework is fully integrated into the heart of Kintess’s mission.
Applying for IB accreditation is a rigorous, multi-step journey that requires vision, dedication, and collaboration. From initial research to final verification, each phase builds the foundation for a high-quality, internationally recognized education. Schools like Kintess exemplify how this process can elevate teaching and learning, creating an enriching environment where students become thoughtful, capable global citizens. For any school seeking to lead in education, the steps to IB accreditation are a path worth pursuing.