CDM

What is CDM? 

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) is a process by which a student may earn credit for a high school course by demonstrating a deep understanding of the content without course enrollment or seat time. CDM is intended for students who have such mastery of a content that they could demonstrate it at any time, without preparation or studying. CDM is not intended to replace the general pathways school districts provide for advanced students. If you are considering CDM, you should read the most recent  CMS CDM One Pager in its entirety. 

Languages Available to CDM: https://avantassessment.com/#languageList 

Math 3 CDM must be passed in the Summer 2024 testing cycle to take AP Precalculus at AK for the 24/25 school year.

How does a student earn CDM?

Phase 1: A standard examination, which shall be the EOC/EOG where applicable, or a final exam developed locally. Students who meet mastery (defined by NCDPI and CMS; mastery cutoffs vary by subject) are eligible to move to Phase 2. 

Phase 2: An artifact which requires the student to apply knowledge and skills relevant to the content standards. This is evaluated by CMS content specialists. 

Students who meet mastery on both phases will receive a credit for the course. The grade will  appear on your transcript as "CDM", which denotes a "Pass" for the course. Honors or AP credit will not be awarded. These credits do not impact GPA.

When can I apply for CDM?

There are three times per year for students to attempt the CDM process: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Application deadlines and testing windows are set by NCDPI and CMS; this is not an AK process and those dates and deadlines are not flexible. When we receive information about application dates and deadlines, it will be publicized through the AK announcements. 

How does CDM affect my schedule at AK?

Students must be enrolled in or have already completed the prerequisite course to CDM another class. We cannot accommodate requests for classes to be taken during a specific semester because of CDM. If you are enrolled in a class, you cannot attempt CDM in that class.

If you pass a course via CDM, a counselor will contact you about adjusting your schedule before the following semester begins. We do not make plans contingent on passing CDM. 

The CDM Application Process at AK - Summer 2024

Testing Window: July 18-July 31 (test dates cannot be changed to accommodate summer travel; test date schedule will not be prepared until mid-June). 


DUE DATE: May 31

All About CDM Video - Please Watch!