Diploma/Credential Requirements 

Revised January 2018 

The following charts outline the diploma and credential requirements currently in effect. The chart is intended 
to provide an overview of the requirements and identify the student populations that have access to each type 
of diploma and non-diploma high school exiting credential. Websites are provided to offer specific regulatory 

requirements and more detailed information regarding the requirements for each diploma or credential. 

Diploma Type Available to Requirements 
Regents All Student 
Populations 
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives 
Assessment: 
o 5 required Regents exams(1) with a score of 65 or better as 
follows: 1 math, 1 science, 1 social studies, ELA and 1 
Pathway Assessment(2); or 
o 4 required Regents exams(1) with a score of 65 or better as 
follows: 1 math, 1 science, 1 social studies, ELA and meet all 
the requirements of the CDOS Commencement Credential 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regents 
diploma 
Regents 
(through appeal) 
All Student 
Populations 
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives 
Assessment: 
o 4 required Regents exams(1) with a score of 65 or better and 
1 Regents exam with a score of 60-64 for which an appeal is 
granted by the local district per CommissionerÕs Regulation 
100.5(d)(7) as follows: 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 social studies, 
ELA and 1 Pathway Assessment(2) ; or 
o 3 required Regents exams(1) with a score of 65 or better and 
1 Regents exam with a score of 60-64 for which an appeal is 
granted by the local district per CommissionerÕs Regulation 
100.5(d)(7) as follows: 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 social studies, 
ELA and meet all the requirements of the CDOS 
Commencement Credential 
Note: Non Regents Pathway exams are not subject to the Appeal 
Process 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regpasscore 


Regents with All Student Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
Honors Populations 3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives 
Assessment: 5 required Regents exams(1) with a computed average 
score of 90 or better as follows: 1 math, 1 science, 1 social studies, 
ELA and either 1 Pathway Assessment(2) or meet all the 
requirements of the CDOS Commencement Credential (no more than 
2 Department approved alternatives may be substituted and will not 
count in the computed average) 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#diplomaHonors 
Regents with 
Advanced 
Designation 
All Student 
Populations 
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. In addition, a 
student must earn an additional 2 units of credit in LOTE** or a 5 unit 
sequence in the Arts or CTE. These credits can be included in the 22 
required credits. 
Assessment: Students may meet the assessment requirements in 
order to earn a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation by 
passing any one of the following combinations of Regents 
examinations and/or Department approved alternatives if applicable: 
a. Traditional Combination: ELA, Global History and 
Geography, US History and Government, 3 mathematics, 
2 science, 1 must be life science and 1 must be physical 
science) = 8 Assessments 
b. Pathway(2) Combination (other than STEM): ELA, 1 
social studies, 3 mathematics, 2 science (1 must be life 
science and 1 must be physical science), and either 1 
Pathway (other than science or mathematics) or meet the 
requirements for the CDOS Commencement Credential 
= 7 or 8 Assessments 
c. STEM (Mathematics) Pathway(2) Combination: ELA, 1 
social studies 4 mathematics, 2 science (1 must be life 
science and 1 must be physical science) = 8 Assessments 
d. STEM (Science) Pathway(2) Combination: ELA, 1 social 
studies, 3 mathematics, 3 science (1 must be life science 
and 1 must be physical science) = 8 Assessments 
In addition, a student must pass either a locally developed Checkpoint 
B LOTE* examination or complete a 5 unit sequence in the Arts or 
CTE. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regentsAD 
Regents with 
Advanced 
Designation with 
an annotation that 
denotes Mastery 
in Math 
All Student 
Populations 
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. In addition, a 
student must earn an additional 2 units of credit in LOTE** or a 5 unit 
sequence in the Arts or CTE. These credits can be included in the 22 
required credits. 
Assessment: Meets all assessment requirements for the Regents 
diploma with advanced designation (see above) and, in addition, 
scores 85 or better on each of 3 Regents examinations in 
mathematics 
See 100.5(b)(7)(x) 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regentsAD 


Regents with All Student Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
Advanced Populations 3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
Designation with English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. In addition, a 
an annotation that student must earn an additional 2 units of credit in LOTE** or a 5 unit 
denotes Mastery sequence in the Arts or CTE. These credits can be included in the 22 
in Science required credits. 
Assessment: Meets all assessment requirements for the Regents 
diploma with advanced designation (see above) and, in addition, 
scores 85 or better on each of 3 Regents examinations in science 
See 100.5(b)(7)(x) 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regentsAD 
Regents with All Student Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
Advanced Populations 3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
Designation with English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. In addition, a 
Honors student must earn an additional 2 units of credit in LOTE** or a 5 unit 
sequence in the Arts or CTE. These credits can be included in the 22 
required credits. 
Assessment: Meets all assessment requirements for the Regents 
diploma with advanced designation (see above) with a computed 
average score of 90 or better (no more than 2 Department approved 
alternatives may be substituted and will not count in the computed 
average) 
Note: The locally developed Checkpoint B LOTE* examination is not 
included in the computed average.. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#diplomaHonors 
Local Diploma 
(through Appeal) 
All Student 
Populations 
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. 
Assessment: 
o 3 required Regents exams with a score of 65 or better 
and 2 Regents exams with a score of 60-64 for which 
an appeal is granted by the local district per 
CommissionerÕs Regulation 100.5(d)(7) as follows: 1 
Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, ELA, and 1 
Pathway Assessment(2) ; or 
o 2 required Regents exams with a score of 65 or better 
and 2 Regents exams with a score of 60-64 for which 
an appeal is granted by the local district per 
CommissionerÕs Regulation 100.5(d)(7) as follows: 1 
Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, ELA, and meet all 
the requirements for the CDOS Commencement 
Credential 
Note: Non Regents Pathway exams are not subject to the Appeal 
process. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regpasscore 
http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculuminstruction/
3-18appealformincludingell-swdmarch2018.pdf 


Local(3) Students with 
disabilities with 
an individualized 
education 
program (IEP) 
or if included on 
the studentÕs 
Section 504 
Accommodation 
Plan 


Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. 


Assessment: 

a. Low Pass Safety Net Option: 5 required Regents exams 
with a score of 55 or better as follows: 1 math, 1 science, 1 
social studies, ELA and either 1 Pathway Assessment(2) , 
or meet all the requirements of the CDOS Commencement 
Credential 

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#assess 
ment; or 

b. Low Pass Safety Net and Appeal: 

I. 3 required Regents exams with a score of 55 or 
better and 2 Regents exams with a score of 52-54 
for which an appeal is granted by the local district 
per CommissionerÕs Regulation 100.5(d)(7) as 
follows: 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, ELA, 
and 1 Pathway Assessment(2) ;or 

II. 2 required Regents exams with a score of 55 or 
better and 2 Regents exams with a score of 52-54 
for which an appeal is granted by the local district 
per CommissionerÕs Regulation 100.5(d)(7) as 
follows: 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, ELA, 
and meet all the requirements of the CDOS 
Commencement Credential 

Note: Non Regents Pathway exams are not subject to the 
Appeal process. 

c. Regents Competency Test (RCT) Safety Net Option for 
students entering grade 9 prior to September 2011: 

passing score on corresponding RCT if student does not 
achieve a score of 55 or higher on the Regents examination 

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/localdiplom 
aoptions-may2011.htm; or 

d. Compensatory Safety Net Option: scores between 45-54 
on one or more of the five required Regents exams, other than 
the English language arts (ELA) or mathematics, but 
compensates the low score with a score of 65 or higher on 
another required Regents exam. Note: a score of at least 55 
(or an approved appeal of 52-54) must be earned on both the 
ELA and 1 mathematics exam. A score of 65 or higher on a 
single examination may not be used to compensate for more 
than one examination for which a score of 45-54 is earned. 


http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/safetynetcompensatoryoption.
html 


Local Diploma 

Students with 
(through 

disabilities with 
SuperintendentÕs 

an IEP 
Determination) 
Revised Jan, 2018 

Does NOT 
INCLUDE 

students with a 
Section 504 
Accommodation 
Plan 


Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)* 2 physical education, 3 . electives. 


Assessment: 

o A superintendentÕs determination made upon a parentÕs written 
request, based on review of documentation, as to graduation-
level proficiency in the subject area in which the student was 
not able to demonstrate proficiency of the StateÕs learning 
standards through the assessment required for graduation. 

To be eligible for the superintendent determination: 

1. The student must have a current individualized education 
program (IEP) and be receiving special education programs 
and/or related services. 
2. The student did not meet the graduation requirements through 
the low pass (55-64) safety net option or the compensatory 
option. 
3. The student must have earned the required course credits and 
have passed, in accordance with district policy, all courses 
required for graduation, including the Regents courses to 
prepare for the corresponding required Regents examination 
areas (English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, social 
studies and science). 
4. The student must have taken and received a minimum score 
of 55 on both the ELA and Mathematics Regents 
examinations or a successfully appealed a score between 52 
and 54, except that on or after December 12, 2017, a student 
who was unable to achieve a minimum score of 55 or did not 
initiate an appeal of a score of between 52 and 54 on the 
English and/or Mathematics Regents examinations may be 
considered an eligible student for the Superintendent 
Determination option, provided that the student has completed 
the requirements for the New York State (NYS) Career 
Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) 
Commencement Credential. 
5. There must be evidence that the student participated in all 
Regents examinations required for graduation but has not 
passed one or more of these examinations. 
6. In a subject area where the student was not able to 
demonstrate his/her proficiency of the StateÕs learning 
standards through the Regents examinations required for 
graduation (including ELA and/or mathematics if using the 
CDOS Commencement Credential to meet the eligibility 
condition(s) in #4), there must be evidence that the student 
has otherwise demonstrated graduation level proficiency in 
the subject area(s). 



Local Diploma English 
Language 
Learners Only 
Credit: 22 units of credit distributed as follows: 4 ELA, 4 social studies, 
3 science, 3 mathematics, . health, 1 arts, 1 language other than 
English (LOTE)*, 2 physical education, 3 . electives. 
Assessment: 
o 4 required Regents exams(1) with a score of 65 or better 
and the ELA Regents exam with a score of 55-59 for 
which an appeal is granted by the local district per 
CommissionerÕs Regulation 100.5(d)(7); or 
o 3 required Regents exams with a score of 65 or better, 
1 Regents exam with a score of 60-64, and the ELA 
Regents exam with a score of 55-59. For both the 6064 
and the 55-59 scores, an appeal is granted by the 
local district per CommissionerÕs Regulation 
100.5(d)(7) as follows: 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 Social 
Studies, ELA, and either 1 Pathway Assessment(2) or 
meet the requirements of the CDOS Commencement 
Credential 
Note: Students who choose the CDOS pathway may still appeal an ELA 
score of 55-59 and one other Regents exam score of 60-64. 
http://www.regents.nysed.gov/common/regents/files/215p12a1.pdf 
Note: Non Regents Pathway exams are not subject to the Appeal 
process. 
Note: English Language Learners seeking an appeal for a score of 5559 
on the ELA Regents Exam are only eligible for an appeal in this 
area if they entered the United States in grade 9 or after and were 
classified as an ELL when they took the test the second time. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#regpasscore 
Local Diploma, 
Regents Diploma, 
Regents Diploma 
with Advanced 
Designation (with 
or without 
Honors), with a 
Career and 
Technical 
Education 
Endorsement 
All Student 
Populations 
Credit: Completes all credit requirements as listed above for specific 
diploma types and successfully completes an approved career and 
technical education program. 
Assessment: Achieves a passing score on State assessments as 
listed above for specific diploma types and successfully completes the 
3 part technical assessment designated for the particular approved 
career and technical education program which the student has 
completed. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1005.html#carteched 


Non-diploma High School Exiting Credentials 
Credential Type Available to Requirements 
Career All students Completes a career plan; demonstrates attainment of the 
Development and other than commencement level Career Development and Occupational Studies 
Occupational those who are (CDOS) learning standards in the area of career exploration and 
Studies (CDOS) assessed using development, integrated learning and universal foundation skills; 
Commencement the NYS satisfactorily completes the equivalent of 2 units of study (216 hours) 
Credential Alternate 
Assessment 
(NYSSA) 
in Career and Technical Education coursework and work-based 
learning (including at least 54 hours of work-based learning); and has 
at least 1 completed employability profile; OR 
Student meets criteria for a national work readiness credential 
Note: Credential may be a supplement to a Local or Regents diploma, 
or, if the student is unable to meet diploma standards, the credential 
may be awarded as the studentÕs exiting credential provided the 
student has attended school for not less than 12 years, excluding 
Kindergarten. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/CDOScredentialmemo-
613.htm 
Skills and Students with All students with severe disabilities who attend school for not less than 
Achievement severe 12 years, excluding Kindergarten exit with this credential which must 
Commencement disabilities that be accompanied by documentation of the studentÕs skills and 
Credential are assessed 
using the NYS 
Alternate 
Assessment 
(NYSAA) 
strengths and levels of independence in academic, career 
development and foundation skills needed for post-school living, 
learning and working. 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/SACCmemo.htm 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/part100/pages/1006.html 


Footnotes: 

* Students with a disability may be excused from the LOTE requirement if so indicated on the IEP but must 
still earn 22 units of credit to graduate. 

** Students with a disability who are excused from the LOTE requirement per their IEP need not complete a 
5-unit sequence in the Arts or CTE in order to meet the requirements for the Regents Diploma with 
Advanced Designation. 

1 In all cases students may substitute an assessment from the list of Department Approved Alternative 
Examinations Acceptable for Meeting Requirements for a Local or Regents Diploma found at 

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/hsgen/archive/list.pdf 

2Pathway Assessment Options: All students must pass the following 4 required Regents exams or the 
corresponding Department approved alternative examination found at 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/hsgen/archive/list.pdf: 1 math Regents exam, 1 science Regents 
exam, 1 social studies Regents exam, and the English language arts Regents exam. In addition all 
students must choose 1 of the following options: 


Complete all the requirements for the CDOS Commencement Credential found here 
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/CDOScredential-memo-613.htm ; or 
Pass an additional math Regents exam in a different course or Department Approved 
Alternative; or 
Pass an additional science Regents exam in a different course or Department Approved 
Alternative; or 
Pass an additional social studies Regents exam in a different course or Department 
Approved Alternative ; or 
Pass an additional English assessment in a different course selected from the Department 
Approved Alternative list; or 
Pass an approved CTE Assessment after successfully completing an approved CTE 
program 
Pass a Department approved pathway assessment in the Arts(4) 
Pass a Department approved pathway assessment in a Language other than English 
(LOTE) 


The additional assessment must measure a different course than that which was measured by one of the four 
required exams above, or an approved pathway assessment in the Arts, CTE or LOTE found at 
http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/multiple-pathways/ 

The Department is working to identify Pathway assessments in LOTE. When those examinations are 
identified they will be posted at http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/multiple-pathways/ 

3The low pass (55-64) option for general education students to earn a local diploma has been phased out 
and students who entered high school in 2008 and thereafter no longer have access to this option. There 
may still be students in the K-12 system that entered grade 9 in 2007 or earlier and still have access to this 
option.