Earning an Ohio High School Diploma for the Classes of 2021 and 2022

Graduation Requirements – Class of 2021 and beyond

Ohio law enacted new, permanent graduation requirements that are available for the classes of 2021 and beyond. The Department is working to update the graduation webpages and will communicate – as soon as possible – the recent changes to Ohio’s state testing and graduation requirements, as well as important information for districts regarding requirements for the early identification, intervention and supports for students not on track to satisfy the new requirements  

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Graduation in 2021 and beyond

There is no one-size-fits-all way to graduate. Ohio gives you several ways to qualify for a high school diploma. Choose the way that works best for you!

To earn a high school diploma in Ohio, you must complete the courses and requirements and then choose a pathway to show that you are ready for college or a job. Your school counselor will give you more details about your options. 

Complete Courses and Requirements

Take and earn a state minimum of 20 credits in specific subjects. You also must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy and complete at least two semesters of fine arts.

Meet one of the following options

Option 1

Satisfy one of the three original pathways to graduation that were in place when you entered high school. The pathways include:  

  1. Ohio’s State Tests - Earn at least 18 points on seven end-of-course state tests. Each test score earns you up to five graduation points. You must have a minimum of four points in math, four points in English and six points across science and social studies.
  2. Industry credential and workforce readiness - Earn a minimum of 12 points by receiving a State Board of Education-approved, industry-recognized credential or group of credentials in a single career field and earn the required score on WorkKeys, a work-readiness test. The state of Ohio will pay one time for you to take the WorkKeys test.  
  3. College and career readiness tests - Earn remediation-free scores in mathematics and English language arts on either the ACT or SAT.  

Option 2

Satisfy the new graduation requirements for the classes of 2023 and beyond by: 

  1. Demonstrating Competency - Students will demonstrate competency in the foundational areas of English language arts and mathematics or through alternative demonstrations, which include College Credit Plus, career-focused activities or military enlistment.  
  2. Demonstrating Readiness - Students will demonstrate readiness for their post-high school paths by earning two seals that allow them to demonstrate important foundational and well-rounded academic and technical knowledge, professional skills, as well as develop key social and emotional competencies and leadership and reasoning skills.  

COMMUNICATION TOOLS TO HELP DISTRICTS EXPLAIN gRADUATION REQUIREMENTS for the classes of 2021 and beyond

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Last Modified: 4/19/2024 10:42:55 AM