Graduation Requirements

In New York State, students can earn three types of diplomas:

1. A Regents diploma
2. An advanced Regents diploma
3. A local diploma

All of these diplomas are valid high school diplomas. All students can earn a Regents or advanced Regents diploma. An advanced Regents diploma lets students show additional skills in math, science, and languages other than English. Only some students who meet specific criteria can graduate with a local diploma, with lower exam scores.

To earn a diploma, students must earn specific course credits and pass specific Regents exams. If you believe your student is not on track to graduate, please speak to your school’s guidance counselor immediately.

Regents Diploma

Examination Requirements

Students must achieve a score of 65 or higher on these five exams to earn a Regents diploma.

• English Language Arts (ELA)
• Any math exam (Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II/Trigonometry)
• Any social studies exam (Global History and Geography or U.S. History and Government)
• Any science exam (Living Environment, Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
• Any additional Regents exam, or another option approved by the State

Credit Requirements

Students need 44 credits in these subject areas to earn a Regents diploma.

• 8 credits in core English
• 8 credits in social studies, including:
  
  • 4 credits in Global History
  • 2 credits in U.S. History
  • 1 credit in Participation in Government
  • 1 credit in Economics
• 6 credits in math, including:
  
  • At least 2 credits in advanced math (for example, Geometry or Algebra II)
• 6 credits in science, including:
  
  • 2 credits in any life science
  • 2 credits in any physical science
  • 2 credits in any life science or physical science
• 2 credits in World Languages
• 4 credits in physical education, every year in specific ways
• 1 credit in health education
• 2 credits in arts education, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater
• 7 credits in electives

Advanced Regents Diploma

Examination Requirements

Students must score 65 or higher on the following nine exams to earn an advanced Regents diploma.

• English Language Arts (ELA)
• Three math exams (Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II/Trigonometry)
• One social studies exam (Global History and Geography or U.S. History and Government)
• Two science exams (Living Environment and one of these: Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics)
• Any additional Regents exam, or another option approved by the State
• Any NYC World Languages exam (also known as Languages Other Than English (LOTE) exam)

Credit Requirements

Students need 44 credits in these subject areas to earn an Advanced Regents diploma. This is the same total number of credits as a Regents diploma, but with more courses in a language other than English (LOTE) and fewer elective courses.

• 8 credits in core English
• 8 credits in social studies, including:
  • 4 credits in Global History
  • 2 credits in U.S. History
  • 1 credit in Participation in Government
  • 1 credit in Economics
• 6 credits in math, including:
  • At least 2 credits in advanced math (for example, Geometry or Algebra II)
• 6 credits in science, including:
  • 2 credits in any life science
  • credits in any physical science
  • 2 credits in any life science or physical science
• 6 credits in World Languages
• 4 credits in physical education, every year in specific ways
• 1 credit in health education
• 2 credits in arts education, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater
• 3 credits in electives

Students only need two World Language credits if they are earning an arts or CTE endorsement. Some students who have a disability that makes it challenging to learn a language can earn credits in other subjects instead of World Languages.

Additional Options for Students with Disabilities

All students can earn a Regents or advanced Regents diploma. Some students also have the option to earn a third type of diploma called the local diploma. This option allows certain students to graduate with lower exam scores. Some students with severe disabilities can earn the Skills and Achievement credential instead of a diploma. This credential recognizes students’ achievements in academics, career development, and other foundational skills. It is not proof of graduation. For more information, visit the After High School page for students with disabilities.

Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Credential

All students can earn the CDOS commencement credential which is not a diploma. This credential recognizes students' preparation for entry-level work. It may be awarded as a sole exiting credential, earned as an endorsement to a diploma, or used to fulfill the fifth exam option. Students who receive commencement credentials may continue to attend school until they earn a high school diploma or until the end of the school year in which they turn 21 (whichever occurs first).

Changes Due to COVID-19 

New York State and New York City changed some policies related to the completion of graduation requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Most Regents exams between June 2020 and August 2021 were cancelled. Students who passed courses designed to end in a Regents exam may qualify for Regents exam waivers. Waivers are considered passing scores and appear on students’ transcripts as “WA.”
• The grading policy from April 2020 through June 2021 allowed high school students to earn “course in progress” grades, which appear on their transcripts as “NX.” Students who received “NX” grades had additional time to complete these courses.
• Students who turned 21 years old in the 2020-21 school year can stay enrolled or re-enroll in high school for 2021-22 to continue working toward their diploma. 

Talk to your student’s counselor to learn about these options and whether they apply to your student. 

Resources for Graduation Requirements

New York State sets graduation requirements. Some requirements are different based on the year a student started high school. These requirements are described on different graduation requirements cards located on the DOE InfoHub.

• Use the current graduation requirements card to read about graduation options for all students who started ninth grade in 2017.
• Use the past graduation requirements cards to read about graduation options for students who started ninth grade before 2017. There are separate cards for three groups of students:
  • general education students
  • students with disabilities
  • Career & Technical Education (CTE) students

For more information about graduation requirements, or to get a copy of the graduation requirement cards, contact your student's school.