NYC high school credentials are not equivalent to high school diplomas. As stand alone credentials, they cannot be used to apply to college, the military, and vocational training programs that require a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (HSE). Students who are working to obtain a stand alone credential have the right to stay in school until the end of the school year in which they turn 21.
Career Development & Occupational Studies (CDOS) Commencement Credential
WHAT IS IT?
Since June 2016, the CDOS commencement credential is available to all students and prepares them for entry-level work. The CDOS may be awarded:
- As a stand-alone credential for students not receiving a diploma,*
- In addition to a diploma, as an endorsement , or
- As a Regents +1 option for a diploma
HOW TO GET IT
OPTION 1
The student must meet each of the following requirements:
- Development of a career plan including student’s career interests, strengths, needs, goals, coursework, and work-based learning plan
- Demonstrate achievement of the CDOS learning standards
- Successful completion of at least 216 hours of CTE coursework, including at least 54 hours work-based learning experiences
- At least one employability profile documenting student’s:
- Employability skills and experiences, and
- Attainment of the CDOS learning standards
OPTION 2
The student must pass a department approved work readiness assessment.
Examples include:
- ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT NCRC)
- SkillsUSA Career Essentials
- Workforce Skills Certification System (WSCS)
- Speak with your school counselor or principal about options. For the full list, visit NYSED.gov
Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC)
WHAT IS IT?
This credential recognizes students’ skills and achievements in:
- academics,
- career development, and
- other foundations needed for post-school living, learning, and working
This credential replaced the IEP diploma, beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.*
HOW TO GET IT
The student must meet each of the following requirements:
- Be a student with a disability who participates in the NYS alternate assessments (NYSAA)*
- Attend school for at least 12 years, excluding kindergarten, or until the school year in which a student turns 21 years old
Students will receive a summary of their:
- Achievement of the CDOS learning standards
- Level of academic achievement and independence as measured by NYSAA, skills, strengths, interests, and
- Other achievements and accomplishments
*NYS Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) Determination
The IEP team determines the eligibility of students with disabilities to participate in standard or alternate assessments. Students who are eligible for alternate assessments:
- generally have limited cognitive abilities combined with behavioral and/or physical limitations.
- will find it labeled on their IEP under the “Participate in State and District-wide Assessments” section
*Note: CDOS, independent of a diploma, and SACC credential are not equivalent to a diploma and can not be used in place of a diploma where one is required (e.g. to attend college, obtain employment, or join the military).
Additional Resources:
NYCDOE High School Academic Policy Guide
NYCDOE Graduation Requirements
NYCDOE Graduation Requirements Worksheet
COVID-19 Updates
- For updated NYSED Information on Regents Exams and Graduation Requirements: http://www.nysed.gov/coronavirus/guidance-p-12-schools
- For guidance on June 2020,August 2020, and January 2021 Regents Exams: Search “Regents Examination and Graduation Requirements: Questions Related to COVID-19 Closure”
- View updated Guidance on the TASC Exam.