CAS: meeting the learning outcomes
CAS — Creativity, Activity, Service — is the IB's experiential strand. It isn't graded, but you must complete it: a balanced range of experiences, a CAS project, and reflections that show you've met the learning outcomes. Done well, it's genuinely rewarding; done late, it becomes a scramble.
Key facts
| Stands for | Creativity · Activity · Service |
| Graded | no — but required for the diploma |
| Includes | a CAS project |
| Evidence | reflections against the learning outcomes |
The three strands
Creativity covers the arts and creative thinking; Activity covers physical exertion; Service covers helping others in a way that meets a real need. The IB wants a balance across all three over the programme, not a pile of one kind — so plan for variety.The learning outcomes
CAS is assessed against a set of learning outcomes — things like identifying your strengths, taking on challenges, showing commitment and perseverance, working collaboratively, and engaging with issues of global significance. You don't tick them mechanically; your reflections need to show you've met each one over your experiences.
The CAS project
At least one CAS project is required: a more substantial, collaborative undertaking, usually over at least a month, that you plan, carry out and reflect on as a team. It's where several outcomes (initiative, collaboration, perseverance) naturally come together.
Documenting reflections
Reflection is the part students underrate. It isn't a logbook of what you did — it's what you learned and felt, the setbacks and how you handled them. Reflect a little and often, in whatever form works (writing, photos, video), rather than reconstructing months of activity the night before a deadline. Our companion guide goes deeper on reflections that count.
Frequently asked questions
What does CAS stand for?
Creativity, Activity, Service — the IB's experiential learning strand, required (but not graded) for the diploma.
Is CAS graded?
No — CAS isn't graded, but you must complete it satisfactorily, with a balanced range of experiences, a CAS project, and reflections, to be awarded the diploma.
What is the CAS project?
A more substantial, collaborative undertaking (usually at least a month) that you plan, carry out and reflect on as a team.
How should I document CAS?
Reflect a little and often on what you learned and felt — including setbacks — rather than reconstructing everything before a deadline.
More IB guides
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