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International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC)

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The International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) is a rigorous, competency-based, commencement-level credential that captures how students demonstrate their learning and growth through authentic, interest-driven experiences in real-world contexts. Developed by Big Picture Learning Australia in partnership with the University of Melbourne’s Assessment Research Centre (now Melbourne Metrics), it represents an internationally validated alternative to traditional transcripts. Each credential draws from a curated portfolio, video profile, and teacher narrative, all grounded in a validated, competency-based assessment system that provides a multidimensional view of a student’s readiness, contribution, and potential. Now recognized 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 meaningful learning and educator judgment in assessing what young people know and can do.

Big Picture Learning Goals

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KNOWING HOW TO LEARN

Develops the disposition and strategies to take responsibility for learning. The goal is to be curious, with a drive to explore and be open to doing hard work; to understand that there are many ways of learning, knowing and making meaning in the world. It includes valuing learning from and with others inside and outside of school. 

Each Learning Goal has 5 Progression Levels

Explore Levels

International Big Picture Learning Credential

A Passport to the World

A student photo and an Advisory
Teacher Statement

Personalize the transcript.

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Portfolio

Video

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What do these levels mean

Achievements

Real World Experiences

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.

Online Portfolio and a Video Profile

Links to an Online Portfolio and a Video Profile provide relevant information to employers, training institutions or universities.

These can be updated at any time.

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

2020

Big Picture Australia develops and pilots the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC), pioneering a new way to recognize real-world learning.

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

Global Pilots Begin

2022

International Learning Exchange: Australia

2025

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.

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Today: Over 800 students assessed and 300+ credentials awarded each year.

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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 EducationPhasing out standardized testing

Publications

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Assessing The Alignment Of The IBPLC With External Frameworks That Focus On College And Career Readiness And Social And Emotional Learning

Deborah La Torre and Noelle Griffin. UCLA/CRESST.

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International Big Picture Learning Credential Context & Case Study

Scott Boldt. Bath Spa University. 

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Destination Study

2024

Big Picture Australia

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