International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)

The International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) is a capstone secondary credential built on the founding Big Picture Learning principles that learning is most rigorous when it is relevant to the learner and when the learning happens in relationship with a more knowledgeable mentor in an authentic context. Warranted by the University of Melbourne and Big Picture Education Australia, the IBPLC documents learning using diverse sources of evidence including some often excluded in systems prioritizing conventional standardized assessments. The IBPLC includes a psychometrically warranted progression level score on each of 6 learning goals, a curated digital portfolio, teacher narrative statement, student achievements, and a student video introduction. Now accepted for admissions considerations by more than a dozen Australian universities and increasingly adopted in schools across the United States and other countries, the IBPLC affirms the value of purposeful learning and educator judgment in assessing what young people can do and know.
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Big Picture Learning Goals
A Passport to the World
A student photo and an Advisory
Teacher Statement
Personalize the transcript.

Portfolio
Video

What do these levels mean
Achievements and Real-World Experiences
Brief lists of Achievements and Real-World Experiences including awards, short courses, internships,
part-time work and community activities provide extra information at a glance.
Achievements
Real World Experiences
Flower Graph
The flower graph and accompanying level statements represent a student's level of development from 1 to 5 in each Big Picture Learning Goal.
Learning Goal
Each Learning Goal is represented by a different coloured petal.
Timeline
Australia
Launches IBPLC
Big Picture Australia develops and pilots the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC), pioneering a new way to recognize real-world learning.
2020
Global
Pilots Begin
The IBPLC expands to Kenya, Barbados, and the United States, with pilots assessing students and awarding the first credentials in:​
2022: BPL Kenya
2023: Beyond the Box (Barbados) & U.S. Pilot Schools
2022
International Learning Exchange: Australia
In May 2025, Big Picture Learning hosted an International Learning Exchange in Australia, bringing together 39 participants from around the world to share insights, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate a fiscally solvent, action-driven international network.​
2025

Big Picture Learning (BPL) Kenya
Adapting the IBPLC to post-secondary youth pathways
Big Picture Learning Australia (BPLA)
International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)
International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) USA
New York, Washington, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Texas, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Ohio.
Big Picture Learning (BPL) Barbados
Beyond the Box Education. Phasing out standardized testing
Big Picture Learning in Hawaii
International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)
Publications
Want to Learn More?
For additional information about this work, services, or upcoming projects, please reach out via email. Email Andrea Purcell, the Big Picture Learning Program Director for IBPLC, at andrea@bigpicturelearning.org.










