What your state tests
New York is known for its Regents Examinations — subject exams in high school — plus grades 3–8 state tests, all run by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The headline news: New York is phasing out the Regents exams as a graduation requirement, moving toward a single diploma and a “Portrait of a Graduate” framework with multiple ways to show proficiency.
Which tests, which grades
- Grades 3–8English Language Arts and Math each year in grades 3–8; Science in grades 5 and 8
- Regents Examinations (high school)Subject exams such as English, Algebra I/Geometry/Algebra II, the sciences (Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics), and social studies (U.S. History, Global History)
- NYSAANew York State Alternate Assessment for eligible students
- NYSESLATEnglish proficiency test for multilingual/English-language learners
Format & subjects
Regents exams are subject end-of-course tests (multiple choice plus constructed response, essays, and — in the sciences — lab-based components), given on paper on set statewide dates. Grades 3–8 tests are computer-based or paper depending on the district and year.
Is passing required to graduate?
This is changing. Through the 2026–27 school year, the current rule stands — students generally must pass about five Regents exams (score of 65) to graduate. Starting with the class of 2028 (2027–28), passing Regents exams will no longer be required to graduate. Under the NY Inspires / Portrait of a Graduate plan, New York moves to a single diploma where students can demonstrate proficiency through multiple pathways — capstone projects, portfolios, work-based learning, and Regents exams if they choose. Regents exams will still be offered (federal law requires state testing), and college-bound students may still take them. Full implementation phases in through about 2029–30.
How it's scored
Regents exams are scored 0–100; historically 65 is passing and 85+ earns "mastery"/honors distinctions. Grades 3–8 tests report four levels (Level 1–4), with Level 3+ considered proficient. As the graduation rules change, how scores are used is shifting even though the exams remain.
Testing windows
Regents exams are given on fixed statewide dates in January, June, and August. Grades 3–8 tests are administered in the spring. NYSED publishes the exact schedule each year.
How to prepare
For students still taking Regents (for graduation now, or by choice for college):
- Past Regents examsNYSED and many sites publish decades of released exams with answer keys — the best possible practice
- Course-aligned reviewRegents test the course content, so strong classwork plus targeted review is the core
- Know your class yearWhat the exam means for you depends on your graduation cohort — check with your counselor
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades participate in state assessments. New York has seen notable opt-out activity on the grades 3–8 tests; policies and consequences vary by district, so ask your school.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Testing accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan. Multilingual learners receive language supports and take the NYSESLAT for English proficiency; some Regents exams are available in translated editions.
Accountability & promotion
State tests feed federal and state accountability and school performance reporting. Historically Regents scores gated graduation and diploma type; that role is being replaced by the broader Portrait-of-a-Graduate proficiency system for the class of 2028 onward. Colleges may still view Regents results as one data point.
Key facts
- HS examsRegents (0–100; 65 passing)
- Grades 3–8ELA, Math (Science gr. 5 & 8)
- Major changeRegents grad requirement phasing out
- First affectedClass of 2028
- FrameworkPortrait of a Graduate (NY Inspires)
- AgencyNYSED
Where to learn more
Confirm current details — this is actively changing — with the official source and your school: