IB
* Most courses are 2 years in length
* Both Internal and External Assessments determine achievement. Teachers perform internal assessments throughout the two years of the course, those scores are sent to IB and carry weight along with the external assessment. Therefore, students must take the course to take the exam.
* Exams are criterion referenced. This means that students are scored by examiners all over the world using the same rubric or criterion. This ensures global moderation and standards are held at every IB school. Teachers have and use these same rubrics on in-class assessments to prepare students for how they will be scored on the external exam.
* Is a globally recognized program.
* Offers the Full Diploma option where students can get significant university recognition, preference in applications by admissions officers, admittance into Honors Colleges, active recruitment, and scholarship offers.
* Cost of exams: registration fee + $108 (one exam assesses two years of work)
* Exam sign up is in October
* Special education accommodations for courses and exams.
* Students can earn up to 8 college credits for one exam—Higher Level.
* Schools MUST offer courses in 6 different areas at a variety of Standard and Higher Level.
* Proof of teacher collaboration is required to maintain IB status.
* Course outlines must be published to maintain IB status.
* Schools are visited by authorization teams every five years to ensure schools are adhering to IB standards and philosophies. The standards the schools must meet are much higher than what AP requires.
AP
* Courses are 1 year in length
* Students do not need to have taken the course to take exams.
* Only external assessment is done.
* Exams are norm referenced. This means that students are scored using a rubric, then ranked amidst every other student who took the exam.
* Is a U.S. based program.
* Cost of exams: $96 each.
* Sign up for exams in April
* Most U.S. universities will recognize AP exam scores for credit, however, sometimes, only one course will “count” towards college credit. (Example: AP English 3 or AP English 4, but not both). Researching universities is very important!
* Availability of AP at any given school is determined by the school.
* Teacher collaboration among subjects is not required.