The New York State Education Department plans to change the high school graduation system so that students’ knowledge and skills are assessed using broader criteria. Under the proposal, passing certain Regents exams would no longer be a diploma requirement for students graduating in January 2028 and thereafter; the diploma assessment requirements are expected to be ended in fall 2027.
The plan applies to New York State’s high school graduation system, not the United States as a whole. Regents exams will not be eliminated entirely; they will continue to measure achievement of the state’s learning standards, contribute to state and federal assessments, and be used for achievement indicators such as seals or academic honors.
Goal of a single state diploma
As part of the NY Inspires education transformation plan, New York aims to replace its three separate diploma models with a single New York State high school diploma. Academic distinctions are planned to be shown through seals and additional honors rather than different diploma types, while achievement indicators such as Advanced Placement are expected to be retained.
The new approach aims to move graduation criteria away from a system based solely on exam results and toward one that assesses knowledge, skills, career-connected learning, and competencies together. The competency-based graduation system is planned to begin full implementation for students entering high school in fall 2029.
Credit and federal assessments will continue
Under the current rules, students must meet credit requirements based on their diploma type and pass a Regents exam or an approved alternative assessment in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and one additional area. Under the new regulations, credit requirements are expected to remain in place, and students will continue to participate in assessments required under local and federal law.
In line with federal rules, state assessments for specific grade levels in mathematics, reading or language arts, and science will also continue. Students therefore will not be exempt from all exams. How schools will demonstrate competency through projects, portfolios, local assessments, or other evidence will become clearer during the implementation process.
Board of Regents approval pending
Work on changing the graduation criteria was placed on the agenda by the New York Education Department and the Board of Regents in 2024. During 2025, work continued on the credit structure, diploma criteria, and competency-based education approach; in June 2026, it was announced that the system would shift from time-based criteria to one based on students demonstrating their knowledge and skills.
The next phase, announced on September 14, 2026, advances the plan to transition to a single state diploma and separate Regents exams from diploma requirements. However, current graduation rules will remain in effect until the final regulations are approved by the Board of Regents.
The change is expected to reduce exam pressure and limit disparities in access to assessment. At the same time, the new system is expected to raise questions about maintaining academic standards and comparing students’ achievements in college applications.
