Graduation Requirements

In New York State, students can earn three types of High School 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. 

  • 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 

  • 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 

      • 2 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.

  • Attendance on days for Regents exams is mandatory. These exam dates are determined by the state of New York, not by Forte Prep, and occur in June, August, and January. If students pass their exams in June, they will not need to sit for January and August exams; if they do not, they will be required to sit for those exams. For this reason, you should not plan vacations during June until the Regents schedule is released.