As part of our commitment to ensuring college preparedness, we recently commissioned the American Council on Education (ACE) to review the value of 20 course assessments in terms of awarding university credit. Courses reviewed include theory of knowledge (TOK) and our most-subscribed standard level (SL) subjects.
ACE recommends that colleges and universities award at least 3 credits for IB scores of 4 or higher for all the SL subjects reviewed. This external review validates the rigour and high standards of IB qualifications at this level.
The IB’s higher level (HL) courses already commonly receive university credit. This review confirms that SL courses also deserve credit recognition. By adopting these recommendations, universities can make their IB credit policies more equitable and inclusive, benefiting a larger number of qualified IB students.
Take action today
Universities: Enhance your IB credit policy and award credit for SL subjects. See our flyer for universities.
Contact us at [email protected] for support in these efforts and highlight your credit policy on our Recognition Statements Database.
Governments: Consider legislation that mandates the granting of credit for both HL and SL subjects.
IB World Schools: Advocate for credit policies recognizing SL subjects, aligned to these ACE recommendations.
ACE credit recommendation flyer
About ACE
The American Council on Education (ACE) is a leader and major coordinating body for higher education institutions in the United States. It shapes public policy, engages in research, and delivers programs that prioritize student access and success. Through its National Guide, ACE provides recommendations on academic credit equivalencies based on its independent learning evaluations.
ACE credit recommendation
|
IB standard level subjects |
Credits |
|
Biology |
3 |
|
Business management |
3 |
|
Chemistry |
3 |
|
Economics |
3 |
|
Environmental systems and societies |
3 |
|
Global politics |
3 |
|
History |
3 |
|
Language A: language and literature – English |
3 |
|
Language A: literature – English |
3 |
|
Language ab initio: Spanish |
12 |
|
Language B: French |
12 |
|
Language B: Spanish |
12 |
|
Language B: Chinese |
12 |
|
Mathematics: analysis and approaches |
3 |
|
Mathematics: applications and interpretation |
3 |
|
Physics |
3 |
|
Psychology |
3 |
|
Sports, exercise and health science |
3 |
|
Visual arts |
3 |
|
IB core subject |
Credits |
|
Theory of knowledge |
3 |
See the full results of this review in the ACE National Guide.
Content accurate as of July 2024
 to review the value of 20 course assessments in terms of awarding university credit. Courses reviewed include theory of knowledge (TOK) and our most-subscribed standard level (SL) subjects.){kind=icon}