The NYS Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures is currently reviewing and recommending changes to the state’s high school diploma requirements. The information below is current as of December 2024.
Regents Diploma
Required Courses
- English: 4 credits
- Social Studies: 4 credits
- Math: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- World Languages: 1 credit
- Art/Music: 1 credit
- Health: 0.5 credit
- Physical Education: 2 credits
- Electives: 3.5 credits
Total: 22 credits
Required Regents Exams
- English Language Arts
- Any math exam (Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II)
- Social Studies (1 exam)
- Science (1 exam)
- One Pathway Assessment
Must have a passing score of 65 and above.
Advanced Regents Diploma
Required Courses
- English: 4 credits
- Social Studies: 4 credits
- Math: 3 credits
- Science: 3 credits
- World Languages: 3 credit
- Art/Music: 1 credit
- Health: 0.5 credit
- Physical Education: 2 credits
- Electives: 1.5 credits
Total: 22 credits
Required Regents Exams*
- English Language Arts
- Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
- Global History and Geography
- U.S. History and Government
- Science (2 exams)
Must have a passing score of 65 and above.
* A passing grade on a local World Language exam after the third year of study is required. Students may substitute 5 units of business, technology, art or music for the 3-unit World Language requirement. See your school counselor for details.
All students must complete a minimum of 1 unit of credit in Art/Music. The following courses are acceptable:
- 400 Studio in Art: Foundations: 1 Unit
- 441 Studio in Media Arts: 0.5 Unit
- 411 Design & Drawing for Production: 1 Unit
- 431 Photography: 1.5 Unit
- 433 Photography: 2.5 Unit
- 554 Fashion Design & Clothing Production (with 558): 0.5 Unit
- 558 Interior Design Studio (with 554): 0.5 Unit
- 600 Studio Music: 0.5 Unit
- 601 Music Theory II: 0.5 Unit
- 610 Concert Band: 1 Unit
- 612 Wind Ensemble: 1 Unit
- 627 Symphonic Band: 1 Unit
- 629 String Orchestra: 1 Unit
- 630 Concert Orchestra: 1 Unit
- 632 Symphony Orchestra: 1 Unit
- 634 Concert Choir: 0.5 Unit
- 635 Voice Class: 0.5 Unit
- 639 Chorale: 1 Unit
- 7770 Theater: 1 Unit
Pathway Diploma Options
New York state has created many options to meet graduation requirements.
The Regents exams that satisfy the testing requirements for a Regents and Advanced Regents Diploma still remain. The state has also designated alternative “pathways” to satisfy diploma requirements, generally through a variation in required exams.
The school counselor and student will develop a program to meet the graduation requirements.
Parents who have any questions about graduation requirements are strongly encouraged to contact their child’s counselor.
Diploma Types
- Advanced Regents Diploma = 8 exams at 65+ or 7 exams at 65+ and one pathway
- Regents Diploma = 5 exams at 65+ or 4 exams at 65+ and one pathway
- Local Diploma
- For students with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), were declassified, or have a 504 plan that specifies they are eligible for the safety net). See below for qualifications.
- English Language Learners (ELLs) who have taken the ELA exam at least twice and scored 55-59 can appeal. They can also appeal a 60-64 score on one additional exam. See below for the appeals process.
- For any student who has passed 3 required Regents exams with a 65 or higher and 2 Regents exams with a score of 60-64 for which an appeal has been granted.
- For students with disabilities, a minimum score of 55 on the five required examinations will be acceptable for a local diploma. There are also a number of safety net options available to graduate with a local diploma, including:
- Low-Pass Safety Net Option
- Low-Pass Safety Net Option with Appeal
- Compensatory Safety Net Option
- Superintendent Determination Option
Students should consult with their school counselor for eligibility.
Appeals Process
The Board of Regents has a process for all students to appeal a lower score on a Regents Exam if they meet the following criteria
- Have taken the Regents Exam under appeal at least two times;
- Have the following score on the Regents Exam under appeal: 60-64 (all students), 55-59 (English language learners in ELA only), and 52-54 (students with disabilities eligible for the Low Pass Safety Net Option);
- Have taken advantage of academic help provided by the school in the subject tested by the Regents Exam under appeal;
- Have passed the course for which the appeal is being sought; and
- Have been recommended for an exemption to the graduation requirement by the student’s teacher or instructional specialist in the department of the Regents Exam under appeal.