How To Get Extra Time in IB Exams

Extra time is one of the most common forms of support available for IB students with learning differences, medical conditions, or other challenges. It’s part of the IB’s inclusive education policy, which aims to make sure that every student can access the exams on fair terms.

But getting extra time isn’t automatic. You need to show evidence, work through your school, and meet IB deadlines. This guide explains how to get extra time in IB exams: who is eligible, how the application process works, and what to expect once the request is approved.

Key Takeaways

• Extra time is available to IB students with documented learning, physical, or emotional needs.

• The most common allowance is 25% extra time, with 50% possible in exceptional cases.

• Requests must reflect your usual way of working in class and tests, not something completely new.

• Schools apply to the IB through the IBIS system, with deadlines six months before the exams.

• If extra time makes your exam day longer than 6 hours 30 minutes, your school may need to reschedule papers.

What Is Extra Time in the IB?

In IB terms, “extra time” is an approved access arrangement. It’s an adjustment that gives you a fair chance to show what you’ve learned if you have a condition that makes standard exam timings harder.

• The most common allowance is 25% extra time. For example, a two-hour exam would become 2 hours 30 minutes.

• In exceptional cases, 50% extra time can be approved, but this requires strong evidence and justification.

• Extra time only applies to written examinations, not coursework, internal assessments, or the Extended Essay.

• If the addition of extra time makes your daily exam schedule longer than 6 hours 30 minutes, your school must reschedule one or more papers.

• The IB stresses that extra time is about fairness, not advantage. All students are marked to the same standards. Access arrangements simply level the playing field.

Who Can Get Extra Time in IB Exams?

Not every student is eligible for extra time. The IB requires that it’s only given where there is clear evidence of need, and where it reflects your usual way of working in class.

You may qualify if you have:

• Specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, or processing speed challenges

• Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or severe stress, that affect exam performance

• Physical impairments like fine motor difficulties, reduced stamina, or conditions that make writing slow or painful

• Sensory impairments, including visual or hearing difficulties

• Chronic or long-term medical conditions that impact concentration, energy, or exam endurance

The IB will only approve extra time if there is a documented history of support in school, for example, evidence that you already use extra time or other accommodations in class tests or assignments.

What Documentation Do You Need?

The IB won’t grant extra time without strong evidence. Your school has to submit documentation that shows both your diagnosis (or condition) and its impact on your learning.

Typical evidence includes:

• Educational psychologist or specialist report, usually completed within the last three years, for learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD

• Medical reports from doctors or specialists, confirming long-term or chronic conditions

• School-based evidence: For example, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), records of classroom accommodations, or examples of using extra time in internal tests

• Teacher observations and reports that show how the condition affects your performance in timed tasks

• Consent: Students (and parents/guardians if under 18) must agree before the school submits the request

The IB looks for a consistent picture: documentation, school practice, and student need must all align. A diagnosis alone isn’t enough. You must show how the condition affects your ability to take exams under timed conditions.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

The good news is that you don’t apply to the IB yourself - your school does it for you. But you do need to provide evidence and start early. Here’s how to get extra time in IB exams, step by step:

Step 1: Talk to your IB Coordinator or SENCO
Tell them about your needs as soon as possible, ideally at the start of the IB Diploma. They’re the experts and will have organised similar arrangements for many other students in the past. They’ll manage the whole process for you.

Step 2: Gather your evidence
This may include psychological reports, medical notes, and proof of classroom accommodations.

Step 3: School submits your request through IBIS
IBIS is the IB’s online system where schools apply for access arrangements.

Step 4: Wait for IB approval
The IB reviews your case and makes the final decision. This can take a few weeks.

Step 5: Put arrangements in place
If approved, your extra time will apply to all relevant final written exams. 

If your total exam day goes over 6 hours 30 minutes, including the extra time, your school will reschedule some papers.

When Should You Apply for Extra Time?

The application process needs to happen well in advance. You can’t leave it until exam season.

• Best time: As early as possible, ideally when you first join the IB Diploma Programme.

• Official IB deadlines:

  • 15 November for the May exam session

  • 15 May for the November exam session

• School deadlines: Many schools set earlier internal deadlines to collect evidence and prepare requests, so don’t wait until the last minute.

The earlier you apply, the smoother the process will be. If you know you’ll need support, please talk to your IB Coordinator as soon as possible. If you’re just starting your course, you may find our IB Diploma overview helpful.

How Much Extra Time Can You Get?

The most common allowance is 25% extra time. For example, in a two-hour paper, you’d receive an additional 30 minutes.

In some exceptional cases, the IB may grant 50% extra time, but this requires strong evidence and detailed justification from specialists.

Extra time is added directly to the length of the exam; it isn’t meant for breaks or rest. If fatigue is part of your condition, your school may also request separate rest breaks.

Real-Life Examples

Here are a few examples of how extra time for IB exams has been applied in different situations:

• Dyslexia
  A student with dyslexia provided a recent educational psychologist’s report showing slower reading and processing speed. The IB approved 25% extra time. That meant that in a two-hour exam, the student received two hours 30 minutes.

• Anxiety
  A student with a diagnosed anxiety disorder provided evidence from a psychologist and records of school support. They were granted 25% extra time plus supervised rest breaks. This allowed for flexibility if their symptoms flared during exams.

• Broken wrist
  A student broke their wrist two weeks before their exams. They obtained a medical note for the IB. The IB approved the use of a laptop for typing answers, plus 25% extra time to compensate for slower working.

These cases show that extra time doesn’t give an unfair advantage. It simply allows each student a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who approves extra time for IB exams?

Your school cannot grant extra time on its own - approval must come from the IB.

All requests go through your IB Coordinator, who submits them to the IB Organisation via the IBIS system. 

Can I get extra time for anxiety or stress?

Yes, if it is a diagnosed condition supported by professional documentation (for example, from a psychologist). 

The IB may grant extra time and/or rest breaks, depending on your needs.

Will I get extra time in all my IB subjects?

Yes. If your request is approved, the arrangement will apply to all your final written exams. 

It does not normally apply to coursework or internal assessments.

Do universities see if I was given extra time in my IB exams?

No. Universities only see your final grades. 

Access arrangements, such as extra time, are confidential and are not shown on your transcript.

What happens if my request is denied?

Your school can appeal or request a re-evaluation within one month of the decision, especially if new evidence can be provided.

Making Extra Time Work for You

Applying for extra time in IB exams is not something to feel worried about. It’s a responsible step to ensure your results accurately reflect your ability, not the barriers you face.

The key is to be proactive: talk openly with your IB Coordinator, gather the right documentation, and apply early so there’s plenty of time for approval.

Remember, extra time isn’t a shortcut. It’s there to level the playing field and give you the chance to perform at your true academic potential. For more guidance on preparing effectively, check out our IB resources and IB study guides.

References:

• IB Access and Inclusion Policy (PDF) (opens in a new tab)