What Happens If You Fail TOK or CAS in IB?

Stressing about whether you'll pass TOK or complete all your CAS requirements? You're definitely not alone. These core components can feel overwhelming. Especially when you're juggling six subjects and an Extended Essay.

The thought of failing TOK or CAS is scary because it could affect your Diploma. But understanding exactly what happens helps you to plan and avoid these situations arising.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about TOK and CAS requirements. I'll go through what happens if things don't go to plan, and how to make sure you succeed in both areas.

Key Takeaways

• Failing TOK or CAS means you won't receive the IB Diploma, even if you ace all your subjects and get perfect grades.

• You'll still receive IB Certificates for individual subjects you passed. Some universities will accept these, depending on their entry requirements.

• CAS is pass/fail based on completing activities and reflections. There's no grade, just whether you meet the requirements or not.

• TOK combines with your Extended Essay grade to give bonus points, but more importantly, you must pass the TOK essay to get your Diploma.

Why TOK and CAS Are Core Requirements

The IB Diploma core (opens in a new tab) consists of three essential components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).

Think of these as the foundation to your Diploma. You can't get the qualification without completing all three, no matter how brilliant your subject grades are.

TOK challenges you to think about knowledge itself. This includes how we know things, what counts as evidence, and why different areas of knowledge work in different ways.

CAS ensures you're developing as a well-rounded person through creative projects, physical activities, and service to others.

The IB designed these requirements to create graduates who have academic knowledge, can think critically and contribute to the world.

What Happens If You Fail TOK?

• Failing TOK automatically means you won't receive the IB Diploma, regardless of how well you performed in your six subjects.

• TOK failure usually happens in two ways: not submitting the TOK essay or receiving a failing grade on it. The presentation component was removed in recent syllabus changes.

• The good news is that failing TOK doesn't mean you lose everything. You'll still receive IB Certificates for each subject where you achieved a passing grade.

• Some schools and exam sessions allow resubmission of TOK essays. This varies by circumstances and timing. Your IB coordinator can advise on specific options.

Remember, TOK essays (opens in a new tab) can be challenging. But they're absolutely passable with proper planning and effort. Most students who fail haven't put in sufficient work or started too late. Check out our TOK Essay Guide to find out how. 

The key is understanding that TOK isn't just another assignment. It's a core requirement that determines whether you get your Diploma.

What Happens If You Fail CAS?

• CAS operates on a pass/fail system rather than grades. You either meet all the requirements or you don't.

• Failing CAS means not completing the required hours across creativity, activity, and service. Or, not submitting adequate reflections on your experiences.

• Most CAS failures happen because students don't keep up with reflection writing or leave everything until the last minute. The activities themselves are usually manageable.

• Like TOK, failing CAS means no Diploma, even if your academic performance is excellent. You'll still receive subject Certificates for passed subjects.

CAS requirements (opens in a new tab) are designed to be achievable for all students. The programme expects engagement and reflection, not perfection or exceptional achievements. Check out our CAS ideas to get you started.

Your CAS coordinator tracks your progress throughout the programme. So, you should know well in advance if you're at risk of not meeting requirements.

TOK + EE Bonus Points Matrix

TOK and Extended Essay grades combine to award bonus points that count towards your total Diploma score.

The combination can give you 0-3 additional points depending on your performance in both components.

A strong performance in both (A grades) awards 3 bonus points (opens in a new tab). Decent performance (B grades) gives 2 points. Mixed or weaker performance gives fewer points.

However, the bonus points only matter if you pass both components. Failing either TOK or EE means no Diploma and no bonus points.

This matrix system rewards students who excel in the core components. But passing remains the essential first step.

Most successful IB students aim for at least decent performance in both rather than focusing solely on subject grades.

What Happens If You Fail the IB Diploma Core but Pass Subjects?

If you fail TOK and CAS, you'll receive IB Certificates for individual subjects where you achieved passing grades (4 or above).

These Certificates show your subject-level performance. They can be valuable for university applications, depending on the institution's requirements.

• Some universities in certain countries accept IB Certificates as equivalent to qualifications like A Levels or AP courses.

• Some universities, especially those requiring the full IB Diploma for admission, won't accept Certificates as a substitute.

The impact on university applications varies enormously by country, institution, and course. Some are flexible, others aren't.

Research your target universities' policies on IB Certificates before banking on this option. Get written confirmation of their position.

How to Avoid Failing TOK or CAS

• Start your CAS activities early and keep regular reflection logs. Don't leave everything until Year 13 - spread activities across both years.

• Choose CAS activities you genuinely enjoy or find meaningful. You'll be more motivated to complete them and write better reflections.

• For TOK, begin your essay as soon as you receive the prompts. Give yourself months, not weeks, to develop your ideas.

• Work closely with your TOK teacher. They understand the assessment criteria and can guide you towards a passing essay.

• Plan your Extended Essay timeline carefully. It combines with TOK for bonus points and affects your overall Diploma eligibility.

• Use school resources like writing support, CAS coordinators, and study groups. Your teachers want you to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Still Get Into University If You Fail TOK or CAS?

This depends entirely on your target universities and their specific entry requirements. Some institutions accept IB Certificates for individual subjects. Others require the full Diploma. Research each university's policy carefully. Get written confirmation of their position on Certificates versus the complete Diploma qualification.

Can You Retake TOK or CAS?

TOK essay resubmission is sometimes possible, depending on circumstances and timing. Though policies vary by school and exam session, CAS requirements typically must be completed within the two-year programme timeframe. Speak with your IB coordinator about specific options if you're struggling to meet requirements.

Is CAS Hard to Fail?

CAS is designed to be achievable for all students and rarely involves failing due to poor performance. Most CAS failures result from not completing required hours, inadequate reflection writing, or leaving everything until too late. With proper planning and regular engagement, CAS should be manageable alongside your academic subjects.

Your Path Forward

Failing TOK or CAS isn't the end of your academic journey, but it can change your options significantly. It’s important to understand these requirements early and take them seriously throughout your programme.

If you're currently struggling with TOK or CAS, don't panic. Reach out to your teachers and coordinators for support and guidance.

Remember, these core components exist for good reasons. They develop skills and perspectives that will serve you well beyond IB.

With proper planning, consistent effort, and support from your school, both TOK and CAS are absolutely achievable.

References

• IB Diploma core (opens in a new tab)

• TOK essays (opens in a new tab)

• CAS requirements (opens in a new tab)

• DP Passing criteria (opens in a new tab)