Credit by Demonstrated Mastery

CDM allows students to “test out” of certain courses where they have already mastered the content. There are two phases. In Phase 1 students take an EOC Exam / final exam equivalent for the course. Students who earn the required score advance to Phase 2. In Phase 2, students complete a project to apply the skills and knowledge from the course. Students who successfully complete both phases will receive “Pass” credit for the course on their transcript. "Pass" credits do not affect a student's GPA, but do count toward required graduation credits.

For Middle School Students (Current 7th Graders)

• Math I
• Spanish I

For High School Students (Current 8th-11th Graders)

• All EOC Courses (Math 1, Math 3, English 2, Biology)
• All OtherCore Courses (Science, Social Studies, English, Math)
• Most CTE Courses
• Most Elective Courses

The following courses are exempt from the CDM process (not an all-inclusive list):

• CTE work-based courses (internships, apprenticeships, etc.)
• CTE courses with clinical settings (example: Early Childhood I and II)
• CTE Advanced Studies courses, Pilot courses, and courses in Field Test
• All AP, Pre-AP, NJROTC, Healthy Living/PE, English Language Learner (ELL) courses, and Occupational Course of Study courses

Students must score at a high level in Phase 1 to demonstrate they have already mastered the skills and knowledge for a course. Student who successfully pass Phase 1 will move on to Phase 2.

The type of exam and required score depends on the course.

EOC Courses (Math 1, Math 3, English 2, Biology)

• Students must take the EOC exam for the course during the February test window (Feb. 15 - Feb. 28, 2023)
• Students must score a Level 5 on the EOC exam

CTE Courses

• Students must take the CTE Post-Assessment, Performance-based Measure (PBM), or credential/local Proof of Learning (POL) during the February test window (Feb. 15 - Feb. 28, 2023). The course determines the test.
• Students must score a 90% or higher.

All Other Courses

• Students must take a locally developed final exam equivalent
• Students must score a 90% or higher.

Students who successfully complete Phase 1 advance to Phase 2.

In Phase 2, students will complete a project, presentation, interview, or other assignment task that provides evidence students can apply the content from the course. Some CTE courses may require a credential test.

Students will complete Phase 2 between March 1 and March 24, 2023.

A panel will review the work using a rubric and determine if students have successfully applied the content to represent mastery for the course.

Students who are interested in pursuing CDM should speak with their counselor. There may be implications on a student's schedule or graduation plan. Families should discuss these considerations with a school counselor before proceeding.

February 14, 2023: Deadline to submit CDM applications to your school counselor.

February 15 - February 28, 2023: Phase 1 Assessment window

March 1 - March 24, 2023: Phase 2 Assessment Window

By March 29, 2023: Final results communicated to students and families

March 31, 2023: Course registration for MHS closes

If you would like more information about the CDM process, please reach out to your school counselor or our district CDM contact:

Dr. Tracey Waid

Director of Secondary Instruction

twaid@mgsd.k12.nc.us