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Graduation Requirements

Credit Requirements

This table shows the number of credits required for each subject. It’s important to note in most subjects, students choose the courses they want to take to meet the minimum requirements.

NYS Graduation Credit Requirements

 

Exam Requirements

In addition to the 22 units of credit, students must also meet the NYS exam requirements to earn a diploma. To meet the exam requirements, students must pass 4 exams + 1 pathway. All students must pass one exam (Regents exam or Department-approved alternative) in each of the four subject areas (English, mathematics, science, social studies) plus one pathway.

Examination Requirements

 

Pathway Requirements

Multiple pathways allow students choice in the exams they pass to earn a diploma.

Arts Pathway - Earn a passing score on a Department-approved pathway exam in the Arts to earn the Arts Pathway.

CDOS (Career Development & Occupation Studies) Pathway -  Complete 216 hours of CTE coursework that includes a minimum of 54 hours of Work Based Learning and complete a career plan and an Employability profile or pass a Department approved CDOS pathway exam.

CTE (Career & Technical Education) Pathway -  Successfully complete a Department-approved CTE program, including 3-5 CTE courses and earn a passing score on the 3-part technical team.

Humanities Pathway -  Earn a passing score on one additional Regents exam or Department-approved alternative in English or Social Studies.

World Languages Pathway -  Earn a passing score on a Department-approved pathway exam in world language.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Pathway - Earn a passing score on one additional Regents exam or Department-approved alternative in mathematics or science.

Diploma Types:

There are currently three types of high school diplomas: local, Regents, and Regents with Advanced Designation.

Local - All diploma types require students to earn 22 units of credit as outlined in the credit table. Students who meet the credit requirements and use appeals, safety nets, or Superintendent Determination to meet the exam requirements typically earn a local diploma.

Regents - Students who meet the credit requirements and earn passing scores on all required exams earn a Regents diploma. Students can appeal one Regents exam no more than 5 points below passing (60-64) and still earn a Regents diploma.

Regents with Advanced Designation - Students who meet the credit requirements, earn passing scores on all required exams including 2 additional math and 1 additional science, and complete a sequence in LOTE, the Arts, or CTE, earn a Regents diploma with Advanced Designation.