Timeline of the IB Accreditation Process
Becoming an IB World School is a transformative journey that requires vision, commitment, and strategic planning. The timeline of the IB accreditation process spans several years and involves a sequence of well-defined phases. Each stage is designed to help schools align with the International Baccalaureate’s rigorous standards, build teacher capacity, and create a culture of inquiry-based, student-centered learning. For schools pursuing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), or Career-related Programme (CP), understanding this timeline is essential for successful planning and implementation.
Phase 1: Consideration and Exploration (6–12 Months)
The process begins with school leadership exploring the International Baccalaureate framework and assessing whether the school’s mission, culture, and capacity align with IB philosophy. During this phase, school leaders:
Review the IB’s standards and practices
Attend introductory IB workshops or conferences
Discuss the vision with staff and stakeholders
Evaluate infrastructure and staffing capacity
If the school determines that IB is a good fit, the next step is to prepare and submit the Application for Candidacy.
Phase 2: Application for Candidacy (3–6 Months)
Once the school submits the Application for Candidacy, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) reviews the submission to ensure readiness. If accepted, the school becomes an IB candidate school. This phase typically includes:
Assigning an IB coordinator
Appointing a leadership team
Receiving guidance from an assigned IB consultant
Beginning preliminary teacher training
Candidacy approval allows the school to officially begin implementing IB-aligned strategies.
Phase 3: Candidacy Phase (1.5–3 Years)
The candidacy phase is the most comprehensive and developmental stage. During this time, schools focus on aligning all aspects of teaching, learning, and governance with IB standards. Key actions include:
Teacher Training: Educators must attend official IB workshops and professional development sessions.
Curriculum Development: Teachers begin designing units based on IB’s transdisciplinary or interdisciplinary models.
Policy Formation: Schools must develop and implement four core policies—assessment, language, inclusion, and academic integrity.
Collaborative Planning: Regular team meetings are established to support curriculum consistency and instructional reflection.
Resource Investment: Schools allocate funds for libraries, multilingual resources, technology, and teacher support.
Schools must gather documentation and feedback to demonstrate ongoing growth in preparation for the verification visit.
Phase 4: Request for Authorization (3–6 Months)
Once the school is confident in its implementation, it submits the Request for Authorization. This package includes evidence of program implementation, policy documents, curriculum samples, and staff development records. The IBO reviews the submission and schedules the next step: the verification visit.
Phase 5: Verification Visit (2–3 Months Preparation + 1–2 Days Visit)
An IB verification team visits the school to assess its readiness. They:
Observe classroom instruction
Review student work and learning environments
Interview staff, students, parents, and leadership
Evaluate curriculum planning and policy application
Following the visit, the team submits a report with commendations, recommendations, and a final decision.
Phase 6: Authorization and Ongoing Evaluation (Every 5 Years)
If the school meets all criteria, it receives official IB World School status. However, the journey continues through a cycle of re-evaluation every five years, ensuring continued adherence to IB standards, innovation, and professional development.
The Approach at Kintess
At Kintess, the IB accreditation timeline was embraced as a collaborative and reflective journey. The school began with a deep internal review and engaged all stakeholders in envisioning an inquiry-driven, multilingual environment. During candidacy, Kintess invested in extensive IB training for educators, redesigned its curriculum around global themes, and involved families in policy development. The verification visit was approached with openness and pride, showcasing authentic student work and collaborative teaching. Today, Kintess continues to grow as an IB World School, using each stage of the accreditation timeline as an opportunity for deeper learning, reflection, and excellence.
The timeline of the IB accreditation process may span multiple years, but it is designed to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with a globally respected educational philosophy. From exploration to full authorization, each phase helps schools build capacity, improve practice, and create vibrant learning communities. The experience at Kintess illustrates how thoughtful engagement with this timeline can lead to lasting transformation and student success in a global context.