At a glance
Nevada offers several diplomas — Standard, Advanced, and College and Career Ready — with the Standard diploma requiring about 23 credits. Nevada students take end-of-course exams and the ACT, but a passing score is not required to graduate.
Credit & course requirements
The Standard diploma (about 23 credits) includes 4 English, 4 math (including Algebra II), 3 science, 3 social studies, 2 PE, 0.5 health, 1 arts/CTE/humanities, and electives. The Advanced and College and Career Ready diplomas require more credits and higher benchmarks.
Testing to graduate
No exit exam gate. Nevada students take end-of-course exams and the ACT (given statewide), but a passing score is not required to earn a Standard diploma — scores can matter for the Advanced and College and Career Ready diplomas.
Diploma types & honors
Nevada’s three diploma tiers (Standard, Advanced, College and Career Ready) recognize increasing levels of achievement, plus the Seal of Biliteracy. Strong records support Millennium Scholarship eligibility (see NV financial aid).
Alternative pathways
The higher diploma tiers (Advanced, College and Career Ready) reward students who take more rigorous coursework and meet college-readiness benchmarks.
Tips for families
- Get your district’s exact listThe state sets minimums; your district may require more — ask the counselor
- Plan credits earlyMap four years of courses in 9th grade so nothing is missed
- Know the assessment rulesWhether a test is required to graduate, and the backup pathways
- Aim beyond the minimumCollege-bound students often need more than the graduation minimum
- Track progress yearlyCheck the transcript each year against the requirements
Frequently asked questions
- How many credits does Nevada require?The state sets a minimum, but your district may require more — confirm locally.
- Does Nevada require a test to graduate?No — Nevada requires taking end-of-course exams and the ACT, but a passing score is not required for the Standard diploma.
- Are there different diploma types?Yes — plus honors designations and seals; see the diplomas section.
- What if my student is behind on credits?Talk to the counselor about credit recovery and alternative pathways.
- Where do I confirm the exact requirements?Your school counselor, district, and the state department of education.
At a glance
- DiplomasStandard, Advanced, College & Career Ready
- Credits~23 (Standard)
- Exit exam?No (passing not required)
- AlsoACT taken statewide
- Confirm withYour district
Where to confirm
Confirm your student’s exact requirements with the state and your district: