The Future of Regents Exams

Regents Exams Have Been in the News Lately…

Here’s What You Need to Know.

If you’ve seen headlines saying New York is “scrapping the Regents exams,” you’re not imagining it, but the headlines don’t tell the full story. Here’s a clear explanation of what actually happened, what’s changing, and what’s not.

What actually happened?

For the past 25 years, New York State students had to pass five Regents exams to earn a high school diploma.

On September 14, 2026, the New York State Board of Regents voted unanimously to begin removing Regents exams as a graduation requirement.

A key detail: This vote did not immediately change the rules. It simply authorized the State Education Department (NYSED) to draft new regulations.

Here’s the timeline:

• February 2027: NYSED will present draft regulations
• June 2027: The Board of Regents will issue a final vote
• January 2028: New graduation system begins

This change is part of NY Inspires, a statewide modernization effort that will also replace the current three diploma system (Local, Regents, Advanced Regents) with one New York State Diploma.

What it means for your child

Class of 2027 (current seniors)

Nothing changes. This year’s seniors are the final class required to pass Regents exams to graduate. They must still meet all current requirements.

Class of 2028 and beyond

Students will no longer need to pass Regents exams to earn a diploma. The final administration that requires Regents exams for graduation will be in August 2027.

The exams aren’t going away

This is the part most headlines leave out: Regents exams will continue to be given statewide. Their role is changing, not disappearing.

Here’s why Regents exams will still matter for your child:

1) Course Grades

In many districts, Regents scores count toward the final course grade - often 10% or more. Students should check their district’s grading policy. A strong Regents score can significantly boost a final grade.

2) Seals and Endorsements

Students can still earn transcript?level distinctions such as:

• Seal of Biliteracy
• Mastery in Mathematics
• Mastery in Science

These seals are tied to exam performance and help students stand out in college admissions and scholarship applications.

3) Advanced Designation Seal

The former “Advanced Regents Diploma” becomes an Advanced Designation Seal on the new single diploma. To earn it, students must complete:

• 3 Math Regents exams
• 2 Science Regents exams
• 2 Social Studies Regents exams
• 1 English Regents exam
• 1 World Language Checkpoint B exam

4) A Record of Mastery

Strong Regents scores remain an important part of a student’s academic profile, and will display a clear, statewide measure of subject mastery beyond classroom grades.

5) Student Transcripts

NYSED has confirmed that Regents scores, seals, and endorsements will continue to appear on official transcripts. Even though they may not be required for graduation, Regents exams still matter for earning transcript level distinctions.

6) Federal Testing Continues

Federal law still requires statewide assessments in ELA, math, and science. These remain unchanged.

What happens next?

Two milestones to watch:

• February 2027: NYSED releases draft regulations
• June 2027: Board of Regents will hold a final vote

Until then, all current rules remain in place.

Our take

Headlines move fast - graduation requirements move slowly. For every current high school student, especially the Class of 2027, Regents exams still matter in the gradebook and on the transcript.

Students who master the material and perform well on their exams will be the ones who stand out with strong grades, seals, and endorsements.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as things unfold. Our Regents Review one-day class schedule will be posted in January 2027.

If you have questions, feel free to reply to this email or call us at 877-339-5970.

Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us, and — as always — Come Study With Us!