Competency and Computer Skills Changes for Graduates

Student Notification

Competency and Computer Skills

This is to inform former students who received a high school certificate that they may now be eligible to receive a high school diploma.  On July 1, 2009, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 202/S.L. 2009-451, thus ending the graduation requirements for the North Carolina Competency and Computer Skills Tests.

Students that were enrolled in a graduating class from 1981 through 2009 and met all state and local board requirements for a diploma except for passing the competency test(s) and or the computer skills test(s), may now petition (high school or local school system) for a diploma.

1.   A former student will need to contact the last high school attended to complete a diploma petition form and locate a copy of his/her transcript.  School personnel will inform the petitioner if they have their transcript or who must be contacted for a copy if the record is no longer maintained at the school.

2.   Former students will need to present school personnel proof of identity.   Take a valid picture ID (such as a driver’s license), a Social Security number, and current address and contact information.

After records have been located, school personnel will check to ensure that all state and local requirements for graduation were met and at the time the diploma was withheld because of a testing deficiency.  Following the review, the petitioner will be notified if the diploma is to be issued or if the petition has been denied.

Please keep in mind that petitions for diplomas that meet the requirement will be honored only during a five year window spanning from July 1, 2009 through July 1, 2014.

We hope that any former student that is eligible will take advantage of this opportunity.  If there are any questions, please contact the local high school Guidance Department.  

Diploma Petition