New York State students have access to the local diploma, the Regents diploma, and the Regents diploma with advanced designation. There are also several seals and pathways that students may earn along the way.
To earn a New York State high school diploma, students must meet both the credit requirements and the assessment requirements. Schools and districts may create diploma requirements in addition to those required by the New York State Education Department.
Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2027
English 4 Credits
Social Studies 4 Credits
Math 3 Credits
Science 3 Credits
Language Other than English 1 Credit
Health ½ Credit
Fine Arts 1 Credit
Physical Education 2 Credits
Minimum Electives 3.5 Credits
Minimum Total 22 Credits
Required Regents Examinations
(Score of 65 or above)
Any Math Regents
Any Science Regents
Either History Regents
English Language Arts
Students must pass one (1) additional Regents examination in either:
Social Studies
Science
Math
1 Approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) Assessment
OR
English 4 Credits
Social Studies 4 Credits
Math 3 Credits
Science 3 Credits
Language Other than English 3 Credits 1
Health ½ Credit
Fine Arts 1 Credit 5
Physical Education 2 Credits
Minimum Electives 3.5 Credits 0
Minimum Total 22 Credits 22.5
Required Regents and Common Core Examinations
(Score of 65 or above)
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Living Environment: Biology AND a Physical Science (Earth Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
English Language Arts
Global Studies and Geography
United States History and Government
Language Other than English (Local Exam)
Updated Graduation Information for Students Graduating January 2028 or later
In September 2026, the New York State Board of Regents annouced the "sunsetting" or elimination of Regents exams as a barrier to graduation. Important information to note:
Students in the class of 2027 are experincing no change to their graduation requirements
This change applies to students who will graduate in/after January 2028
There is no change in the New York State credit requirements
Regents exams still exist! They simply will no longer be used to prevent students from graduating. Students who were on track for an "Advanced Regents Diploma" may be eligible for a seal
What will replace Regents exams has not be annouced by the state, but we will update families as we learn more information
For more information on this change, please go to: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/nysed-advances-next-phase-ny-inspires-education-transformation
For current graduation paths and visuals on New York State graduation requirements, please go to https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/graduation-requirements-guidance-and-resources