Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) provides the opportunity for students in Durham to personalize and accelerate their learning by earning course credit through a demonstration of course material mastery without the requirement of a specific seat ­time. Students are required to complete a two­-phase process in order to demonstrate command of the course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and the ability to apply his or her knowledge of the material.

The process for CDM includes an online application, Phase I assessment, and Phase II artifact and/or performance assessment. Students will be required to demonstrate mastery at a superior level at both phases.

Access to the CDM process is open to all NC public school students for courses in grades 9-­12 and high school courses offered in grades 6-8, except for the following:

• English Language Learner (ELL) courses

• Healthful Living required courses

• AP/IB courses CTE courses that are work-based (coop, internship, apprenticeship); require a clinical setting (ProStart, Early Childhood Education I/II, and Nursing Fundamentals); and/or Advanced Studies

The CDM PROCESS

Families review all information for Credit by Demonstrated Mastery and complete the online application. 

Student and/or family attend an advisory session with school counselor or other school advisor Student completes the Phase 1 Assessment of foundational understanding.  Testing windows will be posted as they are released from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. 

Student and family are notified of the Phase 1 results. If the student DOES NOT qualify, he/she should enroll in the appropriate course for the upcoming term. If the student DOES qualify, he/she can move on to the Phase 2 Performance Based assessment.

Student completes a performance-based task for Phase 2. The CDM Central Service's review panel evaluates Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessments to determine the qualification. The student and family are notified of the panel's recommendation. If the student DOES NOT qualify, he/she should enroll in the appropriate course for the upcoming term. If the student DOES qualify, that course and credit will be noted on the student's transcript

Testing Information for 2024-2025

 Summer 2025 Testing Window  

Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. May 14, 2025 

• Click Here for CDM Application.

• Testing will occur:

  •  July 18 - 31 

       Note: Exact testing dates will be confirmed once the application window closes.

For inquiries regarding Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) for students enrolled in Durham Public Schools please contact:

• Kewanna Riley, Coordinator of Advanced Academics at:

  • Kewanna_Riley@dpsnc.net or 919-560-2029 ext. 21029

 For inquiries regarding CDM and CTE courses, please contact:

• Darian Harris, CTE Director at:

  • Darian_Harris@dpsnc.net or 919-560-2682 ext. 22772

More questions? See our FAQs here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to the number of courses for which a student can earn credit using the CDM policy? 

No. Students may earn credit using CDM for as many courses as they wish. However, students may only make one attempt per course. Students who are unsuccessful after one attempt must register for and complete the course to receive credit. 

How does CDM credit impact course prerequisites and sequencing? 

When courses are taught in a predetermined sequence, a student may only apply for CDM for the next course in the sequence. For example, a student who has not taken Algebra 1 would not be permitted to obtain CDM credit for Algebra II. 

How does the CDM policy and its implementation impact quality points and a student’s grade point average (GPA)?

CDM credits are awarded as a “pass” and appear as such on the student’s transcript. No course grade is received and the course is not included in the GPA calculation. Failed attempts will not be reflected on a student’s transcript. 

Can students graduate early based upon credits earned through this policy? 

Yes. DPS recommends that early graduation decisions be made through discussion between parents, students, counselors, and school administrators. 

Can students earn Credit by Demonstrated Mastery for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses?

Yes, with the exception of specific courses excluded by the NCSBE policy (work-based learning courses such as co-ops, internships and apprenticeships; courses that have a clinical setting as a requirement such as ProStart, Early Childhood Education I/II and Nursing Fundamentals; Advanced Studies courses). For CTE courses, an industry credential may be accepted as the required artifact component. Students will still be expected to complete the post-assessment, if one is available, or a teacher made exam if the state does not provide a post-assessment. If the student earns credit, the post-assessment score would be reported in the technical attainment performance measure. 

For a complete list, visit DPS CDM FAQs.

Appeals Process 

Pursuant to N.C. law, the student and their parent/guardian have the right to appeal a Phase Two decision by the district CDM Committee. Test scores are not appealable. 

Appeal to the Central Office CDM Review Panel

1. If a student does not earn CDM credit, the student and their parents/guardians may appeal in writing within 10 instructional days from receipt of notification.  The appeal should be specific, including the date of submission and reason for appeal.

2. The Central Service’s CDM Review Panel conducts an Appeals Review within 10 instructional days of appeal receipt.  

3. The Central Service’s CDM Review Panel Chair responds in writing to the principal, student, and parents/guardians concerning the outcome of the review within 5 school days of Central Service’s CDM Review Panel’s decision.

4. The decision of the Central Service’s CDM Review Panel is final.