Overview
For the IB Diploma Programme, cAS is the diploma requirement students underestimate — until a supervisor flags weak reflections. Here is how to document Creativity, Activity, and Service properly and pass with evidence that actually shows growth.
Understanding the IB Creativity, Activity, Service assessment
CAS is not graded with a 1–7 but is a diploma requirement. You must demonstrate the seven learning outcomes over 18 months, complete a CAS project (minimum one month), maintain a portfolio, and pass supervisor interviews. Browse the full subject overview at [IB Creativity, Activity, Service](/ib/subjects/cas).
Markbands and what examiners reward
There are no markbands — supervisors confirm completion with evidence of planning, reflection, and growth. Vague logs fail; specific reflections pass.
A past paper workflow that actually works
For the IB Diploma Programme, plan CAS around activities you already enjoy — sustainability club, sport, music, tutoring. Log during the activity, not months later. Link each experience to at least one learning outcome explicitly.
Paper-specific tips
Use the CAS stages: investigation → preparation → action → reflection. Quantify impact where possible (hours, funds raised, people reached).
Common pitfalls
For the IB Diploma Programme, tick-box volunteering; identical reflections; CAS project without collaboration; leaving everything to Year 2.
Using MarkScheme for targeted feedback
Self-marking against band descriptors is essential, but extended responses benefit from a second opinion. After a past paper or IA section, [get criterion-based feedback](/mark?subject=ib-cas) aligned with IB assessment objectives — the same habits that lift exam scripts also sharpen coursework drafts.
Our free Creativity, Activity, Service course links every syllabus topic to lessons, flashcards, and practice tasks. Revise syllabus-by-syllabus with topic practice — each point links to a lesson and criterion marking task.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
How many hours?
The guide removed fixed hour counts — focus on outcomes and balance across C, A, and S.
Can I fail CAS?
Yes — insufficient evidence or non-completion can block the diploma. Take supervisor feedback seriously.
CAS lessons?
See our CAS course for outcome-by-outcome guidance.