New York High School Graduation Requirements

A plain-language guide to what New York students need to earn a diploma, what’s changing with the Regents exams, and what to do if you’re behind.

At a glance

Credits	22 units of credit
Exams (class of 2027 and earlier)	Pass the required Regents exams, or use an approved safety net or appeal
Exams (class of 2028 and later)	Passing a set of Regents exams will no longer be required; new rules are being finalized
Diploma types today	Local, Regents, and Regents with Advanced Designation

The 22 credits

Every New York diploma type requires the same 22 units of credit:

Subject	Credits
English Language Arts	4
Social Studies	4
Mathematics	3
Science	3
The Arts	1
Language Other Than English	1
Physical Education	2
Health	0.5
Electives	3.5
Total	22

Districts can add their own requirements on top of these.

Regents exams: what’s changing

Class of 2027 and earlier (current seniors)

Students graduating in 2027 or earlier still need to meet the current exam requirements. For a Regents diploma, that means scoring 65 or higher on Regents exams in English, math, science, and social studies, plus one more exam or approved pathway, such as an additional Regents exam, the arts, career and technical education, or the CDOS credential. Under the current timeline, the last exams that count toward this requirement are the ones given in August 2027.

If a score falls short, a student may still graduate through an appeal or, for students with disabilities, a safety net option, which usually leads to a local diploma. Ask your counselor whether any of these apply to you.

Class of 2028 and later

In September 2026, the Board of Regents authorized the State Education Department to move ahead with its “NY Inspires” plan. Beginning with the class of 2028, students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents exams to graduate. The exams will still be given as statewide measures of achievement, and some must still be taken under federal rules, but a passing score won’t be a separate diploma requirement.

The plan also moves New York toward a single high school diploma built around the state’s “Portrait of a Graduate.” The Education Department is expected to propose the formal regulations by February 2027, with a final Board of Regents vote expected in mid-2027. Until those rules are adopted, details such as how districts will measure readiness may still change.

If you’re behind

1. Ask for a credit review. Request a written summary of your credits, the Regents exams you’ve passed, and what’s missing.
2. Ask how the changes affect you. Your class year decides whether you still need to pass Regents exams. If you’re close to the line, ask which rules apply.
3. Ask about credit recovery and transfer schools. Many districts offer recovery courses, and New York City and other districts have transfer high schools for students who are behind.
4. Ask about appeals and safety nets. If an exam score is the barrier, find out whether you qualify.

Build a catch-up plan →

High school equivalency in New York

New York awards a High School Equivalency diploma to people who pass the state-approved equivalency test. Age and eligibility rules are stricter than in many states, and younger test-takers must meet specific conditions. Check with the New York State Education Department or a local adult education program for the current rules before you leave school.

An equivalency diploma is a respected credential, but it isn’t identical to a regular diploma for every college, employer, or military branch.

GED vs. diploma: what’s different →

Questions to ask your counselor

• How many credits do I have, and how many do I still need?
• Which Regents exams have I passed, and do I still need to pass them for my class year?
• Do I qualify for an appeal or safety net?
• What credit recovery or transfer school options are available?
• Which diploma type am I working toward?
• What is my expected graduation date?

Official sources

• NYSED: Graduation Requirements
• NYSED: Current Diploma Requirements (PDF)
• NYSED: Appeals, Safety Nets, and Superintendent Determination

Educational guidance only. New York’s requirements are changing and vary by class year and district. Always check with the New York State Education Department and your school counselor before making decisions.