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 Current and Rising High School Students (Current 8th-11th Graders)

• All EOC Courses (Math 1, Math 3, English 2, Biology)
• All Other Core 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 Fall test window or Spring test window (see timeline below)
• 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 Fall test window or Spring test window (see timeline below). 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 during the Fall or Spring Window (see timeline below).

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.

Fall 2026 Window:

September 18, 2026: Deadline to submit CDM applications to your school counselor.

September 24 - September 30, 2026: Phase 1 Assessment window

October 1 - October 9, 2026: Phase 2 Assessment Window

By October 27, 2026: Final results communicated to students and families

Spring 2027 Window:

March 5, 2027: Deadline to submit CDM applications to your school counselor.

March 23-31, 2027: Phase 1 Assessment window

April 2-9, 2026: Phase 2 Assessment Window

By April 20, 2027: Final results communicated to students and families

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

Mrs. Maureen Fitzsimmons

Secondary Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Coordinator

maureenfitzsimmons@mgsd.k12.nc.us

Dr. Tracey Waid

Director of Secondary Education

twaid@mgsd.k12.nc.us