Graduation Requirements
In New York State, students can earn three types of diplomas:
- A Regents diploma
- An advanced Regents diploma
- 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 Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- 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 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 Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- 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 Language Other Than English (LOTE) 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 LOTE