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

• Students with a disability may be excused from the requirement for 1 unit of credit in World Languages if so indicated on their IEP, but they must still earn 22 units of credit to graduate.

• Students seeking the Regents diploma with advanced designation must:
  • Meet the credit and assessment requirements for a Regents diploma; and
  • Pass two additional Regents exams or Department approved alternatives in mathematics; and
  • Pass one additional Regents exam or Department approved alternative in science
    • students seeking advanced designation must pass at least one Regents exam or Department approved alternative in both sciences (one life and one physical); and

• Complete a sequence:
  • earn an additional 2 units of credit in World Languages and pass a locally developed Checkpoint B World Languages examination, or
  • complete a 5 unit sequence in the Arts, or
  • complete a 5 unit sequence in CTE.

A student must either:

• Earn the Seal of Civic Readiness; or
• Pass an additional Regents Exam or Department Approved Alternative in a different course (English, mathematics, science, or social studies); or
• Pass a Department Approved Pathway Assessment (Arts, CDOS, World Languages); or
• Successfully complete a NYSED-approved CTE program, including the associated 3-part technical assessment; or
• Successfully complete all the requirements for earning the CDOS Commencement Credential
   

Honors: A student earns a computed average of at least 90 on the Regents Exams applicable to either a Regents diploma or a Regents diploma with advanced designation. No more than 2 Department approved alternatives can be substituted for Regents Exams. The locally developed Checkpoint B examination in World Languages is not included in the calculation.

Department Approved Alternative Examinations

Mastery in Math and/or Science: A student meets all the requirements for a Regents diploma with advanced designation AND earns a score of 85 or better on 3 math Regents Exams and/or 3 science Regents Exams.

Technical Endorsement: A student meets the requirements for either a local diploma, a Regents diploma or a Regents diploma with advanced designation AND successfully completes a Department approved CTE program including the 3- part technical assessment.

Seal of Biliteracy: A student meets the criteria for earning the NYS Seal of Biliteracy.

Seal of Biliteracy

Seal of Civic Readiness: A student meets the criteria for earning the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness

Seal of Civic Readiness

Students with a disability may be excused from the required units of credit in World Languages if so indicated on their IEP, but they must still earn 22 units of credit to graduate. Such student who seeks a Regents diploma with advanced designation does NOT have to complete the 5-unit sequence in the Arts or CTE in lieu of the sequence in World Languages in order to meet the assessment requirements for the advanced diploma.
 

Exemptions: Students granted an exemption from any exam due to COVID-19 are not required to pass such specific exam to meet the assessment requirements for any diploma type.

Special Appeals: Eligible students may use lower scores (50-64) on Regents Exams taken during the 2021-22 or 2022-23 school year to meet the assessment requirements for any diploma type.

Special Determination: Students who are scheduled to graduate in June 2022 and either do not qualify for a Special Appeal or who are unable to participate in one or more required Regents Exam(s) because of illness, including isolation restrictions due to COVID, may request a Special Determination to Graduate with a Local Diploma in June 2022.

Students with a disability who are unable to attain a local diploma through the various safety net provisions may be eligible for a Superintendent Determination of a local diploma under certain conditions.

Appeals, Safety Nets, and Superintendent Determination

NYS Graduation Requirement Card

Translated Diploma and Graduation Resources

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children