At a glance
New York is in the middle of a major overhaul of its graduation requirements. Currently, students earn a diploma with 22 units of credit and by passing a set of Regents exams. But the state is phasing out the Regents-exam requirement and moving to a single, competency-based diploma under its “NY Inspires” / Portrait of a Graduate initiative.
Credit & course requirements
The current requirement is 22 units: typically 4 English, 4 social studies, 3 math, 3 science, 2 physical education, 1 world language, 1 art/music, half a unit of health, and electives. New credit rules are being developed as part of the transition.
Testing to graduate
Currently, students must pass Regents exams to graduate (generally in English, math, science, and social studies, or approved alternatives/pathways). This is changing: New York plans to no longer require passing a prescribed set of Regents exams, moving to multiple measures. Students will still take exams under federal law; Regents exams will shift to a more focused role and can count toward seals/endorsements. Confirm what applies to your student’s cohort.
Diploma types & honors
Currently New York offers a local diploma, a Regents diploma, and a Regents diploma with advanced designation, plus honors and seals (including the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness). The state is moving toward a single diploma under the new system.
Alternative pathways
New York offers multiple graduation pathways (the “4+1” pathway options, including CTE, the arts, and biliteracy) that let students meet requirements in different ways — a preview of the more flexible system to come.
Other requirements
The new system will require students to demonstrate proficiency in state standards and the Portrait of a Graduate attributes, and includes a CTE credit (which can include financial literacy). Because this is transitional, confirm your student’s exact requirements with the district.
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 New York require?The state sets a minimum, but your district may require more — confirm locally.
- Does New York require a test to graduate?Currently yes (Regents exams), but New York is phasing this out — confirm what applies to your student.
- 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
- Currently22 units + Regents exams
- DiplomasLocal, Regents, Regents Advanced
- Big changeRegents exam requirement being phased out
- New systemNY Inspires / Portrait of a Graduate
- First new cohort~grade 9 in 2027
- Confirm withYour district
Where to confirm
Confirm your student’s exact requirements with the state and your district: