Texans who have completed all high school coursework (but did not obtain a high school diploma due to the state's required high-stakes standardized testing) now have a path to earn their high school diploma. 
 Effective Date:  3 May 2018 - 1 Sep 2023
​Eligibility:  Individuals enrolled in grade 9 prior to the 2011-2012 school year

Senate Bill 213 extends Path2Diploma through 2023 ~ click here to read more

Do you qualify? Contact your former High School!

  • ATTENDED: Texas High School in and Independent School District
  • MILITARY: Current members of the United States Armed Services can obtain a diploma with proof of their service and veterans of military service need only supply a copy of their DD214. ​
  • COLLEGE: Any completed college-level coursework so long as it results in earned college credit ​
  • CERTIFICATES & LICENSES: Attained Post-Secondary, Industry-based certification(s)  ​
  • ALTERNATIVE EXAMS: Meet performance standard on an alternative assessment ​(scroll down to view list of approved alternative exams) ​ ​
  • HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY: Perform satisfactorily on the applicable subject-area test of a state-approved high school equivalency exams (scroll down to view the 3 State-approved HS Equivalency exams, study guides, & practice tests)  ​
  • MERIT-BASED CREDITS / CREDIT RECOVERY: Your former District may allow credit recovery and/or merit-based credits ​(IE. experience, work, etc. in lieu of) see District Policies and TX Assoc of School Board Policy Recommendations below 

If you feel that you have met the requirements above, please contact your former Texas high school's current counselor to begin the process. 

    Need more assistance? 
Watch the El Paso Times interview
"Currently, students who don't do well on the STAAR exams have another way to graduate high school via their portfolio or project work, Perez said.

Students who took the TAKS tests, used for students who entered ninth grade before the 2011-12 school year,were not given the same opportunity, she said. 

Perez said that in El Paso, more than 19,000 people left high school without a diploma between 2003 and 2013."
Read the El Paso Timess article
En Español





​These new rules will assist Texans in their pursuit of higher education, gainful employment, promotions, and increased wages.

​Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

Read the report

The Law

Diplomas for Individuals who entered grade 9 before 2011-2012
Click link for Texas Graduation Requirements: 1989-1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001-2018

Industry-Based Certifications
Click here to review the 2019-2020 list of Texas recognized Industry-Based Certifications

​TAKS Exit-Level Alternate Assessments

​Texas-Approved High School Equivalency ​Exams 
Links to more Information about ​Texas-approved High School Equivalency Exams

Frequently Asked Questions about Texas High School Equivalency

State-Approved High School Equivalency Exams, Locations, Fees + more 

​​GED Test Prep​
​​HiSET Test Prep Resources (available through 31 Aug 2021)
​​TASC Test Prep (available through 31 Aug 2021)
​
​​Diplomas for Veterans

The Statutes

Senate Bill 213 extends Path2Diploma through 2023 ~ click here to read more

74.1027. Diplomas for Certain Individuals Who Entered Grade 9 Before 2011-2012 School Year.
Statutory Authority: The provisions of this §74.1027 issued under the Texas Education Code, §28.02541.
Source: The provisions of this §74.1027 adopted to be effective May 3, 2018, 43 TexReg 2577.
​
61.1061. Diplomas for Veterans (Application Form for Diploma and Evidence of Eligibility)
Statutory Authority: The provisions of this §61.1061 issued under the Texas Education Code, §28.0251.Source: The provisions of this §61.1061 adopted to be effective August 12, 2001, 26 TexReg 5806; amended to be effective June 11, 2006, 31 TexReg 4611; amended to be effective July 12, 2012, 37 TexReg 5132.
101.4003. Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Exit-Level Alternate Assessments
Statutory Authority: The provisions of this §101.4003 issued under the Texas Education Code, §39.023(c) and §39.025.
Source: The provisions of this §101.4003 adopted to be effective April 3, 2006, 31 TexReg 2857; amended to be effective December 16, 2013, 38 TexReg 9024; amended to be effective November 5, 2017, 42 TexReg 6144.

​89.43. Eligibility for a Texas Certificate of High School Equivalency
Statutory Authority: The provisions of this §89.43 issued under the Texas Education Code, §7.111.Source: The provisions of this §89.43 adopted to be effective September 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 5690; amended to be effective September 1, 1999, 24 TexReg 386; amended to be effective April 18, 2002, 27 TexReg 3061; amended to be effective October 15, 2006, 31 TexReg 8361; amended to be effective December 11, 2011, 36 TexReg 8373; amended to be effective October 10, 2013, 38 TexReg 6914; amended to be effective August 21, 2016, 41 TexReg 6015.