Demystifying the IB MYP eAssessments: everything you need to know

Introduction

The IB MYP eAssessment stands at the vanguard of the Fourth Educational Revolution, a paradigm shift that's redefining how we prepare students for an increasingly complex world. 

Introduced in 2016, these digital exams embody the central tenet of this revolution: moving beyond content regurgitation toward conceptual understanding and transferable skills. As traditional education systems struggle to remain relevant in our rapidly evolving digital landscape, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme leads the transformation with assessment methods designed for tomorrow's leaders. 

This blog cuts through the complexity to deliver what students, and educators need to know about the IB MYP eAssessment landscape in 2025.

What is IB MYP eAssessment and why does it matter?

The IB MYP eAssessment embodies the core principles of the Fourth Educational Revolution—valuing conceptual mastery over content memorization and developing adaptable thinkers rather than information repositories.

The MYP eAssessment is the IB Middle Years Programme Year 5 culminating assessment. The MYP eAssessment is conducted and marked by the IB and it provides externally-verified results that can serve as an alternative to national exams.

Importantly, the eAssessment aligns with today’s digital learning environment – it’s a computer-based exam format that moves beyond paper and pen toward interactive, 21st-century skills. IB designed the eAssessment to emphasize deep understanding and inquiry: in fact about 75% of the assessment focuses on inquiry, communication, and critical thinking skills rather than rote memorization.

The MYP eAssessment comprises two distinct yet complementary components: on-screen examinations and ePortfolios.

• On-screen examinations represent a technology-driven approach to assessment, where students complete their exams using laptops or similar digital devices.

• ePortfolios: a collection of coursework that is compiled and submitted digitally for evaluation.

What do educators need to prepare students for?

It’s important to remember that all these challenges can be overcome with the right strategies. 

Preparing for the IB MYP eAssessment: strategies for educators

Recognizing these benefits and the unique demands of the eAssessment format, strategic preparation is paramount for student success. It is critical to embed a structured preparation cycle at leasts 12-18 months prior to the examinations along with good teaching practices will form the bedrock of successful preparation. 

Integrate on-screen practices into routine teaching for digital simulations for students

Provide ample opportunities for students to engage in on-screen practice that mirrors the official IB tool. This practice helps students become comfortable with the digital environment, the interface, and the various question formats they will encounter.

✅ Quick Tip: Utilize the official IB familiarization tool to familiarise the students

Mirror the IB question formats

Educators can use multimedia and interactive tasks into regular classroom activities just like the real MYP eAssessment and can further prepare students by mirroring the format of the eAssessment.

✅ Quick Tip: Leverage assessment platforms such as AssessPrep to create assessments that mirror the MYP eAssessment.

Focus on typing skills

Help students with practical skills like typing, managing files, using common software tools, and reading on a screen. Consider implementing touch-typing practice in the school curriculum so that by the time of the exam, students can type efficiently without looking at the keyboard. 

✅ Quick Tip: Recommend typing apps for students to use at home

Teach IB question types

Teach students how to use the specific digital tools that will appear in the exam. For instance, show math students how to use an on-screen graphing calculator (the MYP on-screen exams use a Desmos-based calculator​ and let them practice plotting graphs or typing equations with an equation editor. In science, have students engage with simulations or data analysis on-screen, since the exam may require interpreting an interactive simulation. Building comfort with these tools beforehand means students won’t waste time figuring them out during the actual test.

Teach and reinforce MYP assessment criteria early

The MYP eAssessment tasks, whether on-screen questions or portfolio assignments,  are all rooted in the MYP subject criteria. A strong strategy for success is to make sure students deeply understand these assessment criteria and rubrics well in advance. 

✅ Quick Tip: Use the MYP criteria for grading regular class assessments and give students feedback referencing those descriptors. 

Build in time management practice

Intentionally incorporate time management exercises in your teaching. When giving class tests or practice exams on-screen, train students to budget their time. 

✅ Quick Tip: During mock exams, instruct them on how to quickly scan through all questions at the start and allocate time for scanning.

Structured timeline-especially for portfolios

Create a clear timeline of deadlines for completing each section of the ePortfolio and share it with students.

✅ Quick Tip: Consider setting internal checkpoints for drafts, feedback, revisions, and final submissions with students.

About AssessPrep, your ally in MYP e-Assessment preparedness

AssessPrep stands out as a leading assessment platform specifically designed for the IB MYP. Trusted by a 600+ number of IB eAssessment schools, AssessPrep offers:

• Varied question types: Use questions with video, audio, and interactive parts, just like the real MYP eAssessment. This helps students get comfortable with different formats they'll see on test day, making practice more engaging.

• Real practice questions: Practice with over 20,000 questions based on IB standards and the official exam style. This ensures students practice with material that genuinely prepares them for the actual test.

• Helpful grading & reports: Easily check student work and see clear reports on their progress. Teachers can quickly spot where students need help and adjust their lessons accordingly.

• AI teaching helper: Our AI tool helps create endless practice questions and assists with marking answers quickly. This saves teachers time, letting them focus on giving students valuable, personal feedback.

• Support for all learners: Features like adjustable text size, read-aloud options, and flexible timing help every student participate fully. This ensures students with different needs get a fair chance to show what they know.

By integrating AssessPrep into your MYP preparation strategy, you give your students the tools, familiarity, and focused practice needed to face their eAssessments confidently.

Book a demo to discover how AssessPrep can become a partner in enhancing your school's preparation strategy and student outcomes.