GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
As of September 2018
Earning a Diploma in NYC
In New York City public schools, students can earn three types of diplomas: a local diploma,
a Regents diploma, or an advanced Regents diploma. All of these diplomas are valid high
school diplomas and can be used to demonstrate graduation or enroll in programs after high
school, like college and the military. To earn a diploma, students must earn specific course
credits (see table to the right) and pass specific Regents exams (see table on the reserve side).
Minimum Credit Requirements
All students must earn 44 total credits across specific subject areas in order to graduate.
Subject-area requirements vary by the type of diploma and may also vary if a student earns
an endorsement. Ask your school for more information about credit requirements.
Diploma Endorsements
Students may also earn endorsements to their diplomas. Endorsements recognize the
successful completion of additional courses and exams in particular subject areas. Ask your
school about the requirements for the following endorsements: Arts, Seal of Biliteracy,
Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS), Career and Technical Education
(CTE), Honors Designation, Mastery in Math, Mastery in Science, and the Service Seal.
Commencement Credentials
Students can earn two types of commencement credentials, which are not diplomas: the
CDOS commencement credential and the Skills and Achievement commencement credential.
Students who receive commencement credentials may continue to attend school until they
earn a high school diploma or until the end of the school year in which they turn 21
(whichever occurs first). Ask your school for more information about commencement
credentials.
Career Development & Occupational
Studies (CDOS) Credential
Skills & Achievement Commencement
Credential
This credential recognizes students’
preparation for entry-level work through
mastery of the CDOS learning standards.
Students complete a career plan,
employability profile, and 216 hours of
career preparation experiences, including
at least 54 hours of school-supported work-
based learning. The CDOS may be awarded
as a sole exiting credential, earned as an
endorsement to a diploma, or used to fulfill
the +1 option.
This credential recognizes students’ skills
and achievements in academic, career
development, and other foundations
needed for post-school living, learning, and
working. This credential may only be
awarded to students with severe cognitive
disabilities who participate in the New York
State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA).
Subject Area
Minimum Credit Requirements
English Language Arts (ELA)
8
Social Studies
Global History
4
U.S. History
2
Participation in Government
1
Economics
1
Math
Including at least 2 credits of
advanced math, such as Geometry
or Algebra II
6
Science (including labs)
Life Science
2
Physical Science
2
Life or Physical Science
2
Language Other Than English (LOTE)
2 for local and Regents diplomas
6 for advanced Regents diploma
Visual Art, Music, Dance, and/or
Theater
2
Physical Education
Consistently throughout
high school
4
Health
1
Electives
7 for local and Regents diplomas
3 for advanced Regents diploma
Total Credits
44