Understanding Graduation Requirements in Massachusetts

High school graduation in Massachusetts is changing, and families should pay close attention to the rules that apply today. In Massachusetts, students must satisfy both state graduation standards and their local school district's requirements to earn a diploma. That means graduation is not just about finishing classes; it is about meeting a combination of statewide expectations and district-specific policies. As of today, the state is in a transition period following major changes to the long-standing MCAS-based graduation rule. Massachusetts public school students still need to meet the state's Competency Determination, along with local graduation requirements, to graduate from high school. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

This matters because the state has been reworking how students demonstrate readiness for graduation. The old model tied the Competency Determination to MCAS performance. Under current law and regulations, that is no longer the case for the graduating class of 2026 and beyond. Instead, the state is shifting toward coursework-based proof of mastery in key subject areas, while a broader statewide graduation framework is still being developed. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

What Changed After the 2024 Ballot Question

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question in November 2024 that prohibited MCAS from being used as the basis for earning a Competency Determination. In response, the state updated its rules so students can now earn that requirement through satisfactorily completing coursework aligned to the academic areas previously measured by the high school MCAS tests. The state still administers MCAS tests, but the high school exams are no longer the gatekeeper for graduation. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

This is a significant change for students, parents, and educators. It reduces the role of a single standardized test score and places more emphasis on classroom learning, course completion, and district certification of mastery. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has also been working with the public on how these new requirements should be implemented in practice. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-seeks-public-feedback-on-implementation-of-high-school-graduation-requirements))

The Current State Requirement: Competency Determination

Under Massachusetts law, earning a diploma still requires a Competency Determination. The law states that satisfaction of the Competency Determination is a condition for high school graduation. The updated regulations say that, beginning with the graduating class of 2026, students will earn that determination by completing coursework equivalent to specific high school learning expectations. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c69-ss-1d))

According to the state's 2025 regulations, the coursework must be equivalent to:

• two years of high school English language arts;
• one year of high school mathematics;
• one year of high school science and technology;
• one year of high school U.S. history; and
• one year of high school world history. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/doc/603-cmr-30-massachusetts-comprehensive-assessment-system-and-standards-for-competency-determination/download))

These requirements are designed to reflect the academic standards that were previously assessed through MCAS at the high school level. The state has also indicated that additional graduation expectations may evolve as the broader statewide framework is finalized. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

Local School District Requirements Still Matter

Even when a student meets the state's Competency Determination, that alone does not guarantee graduation. Massachusetts districts can set their own local graduation requirements, which may include credit totals, specific courses, attendance expectations, service learning, capstone projects, or other district-defined standards. In other words, the state sets the floor, but local schools can add more requirements. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

This is why students should not assume that statewide rules are the whole story. A district may require more credits in math or English than another district, or it may require a senior project, internship, or portfolio. Families should check the student handbook, guidance office materials, and school board policies early, ideally before ninth grade or as soon as possible after moving into a new district. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/doc/603-cmr-30-standards-for-competency-determination-and-local-graduation-requirements/download))

Why Massachusetts Is Moving Toward a New Graduation Framework

Massachusetts is also developing a broader statewide high school graduation framework. The state's framework describes seven elements intended to balance academic rigor, practical skills, and personalized planning. It includes strong foundations, proven skills, and other components meant to prepare students for college, careers, and civic life. The state has presented this as a long-term vision rather than a finished replacement for every local rule. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/statewide-high-school-graduation-framework))

In 2026, the administration has continued seeking public feedback on how graduation requirements should be implemented before the final council report is released. That suggests the rules may continue to evolve, so students currently in high school should stay in contact with counselors and monitor official state updates. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-seeks-public-feedback-on-implementation-of-high-school-graduation-requirements))

What Students Should Do Right Now

For students in Massachusetts, the safest approach is to treat graduation planning as a multi-step process. First, confirm the state requirement for your graduating class. Second, review your district's local graduation checklist. Third, meet with a school counselor each year to make sure your course schedule keeps you on track. Because the rules are changing, students should not rely on older advice from siblings or friends who graduated under the previous MCAS-based system. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

• Ask whether your class is covered by the new coursework-based Competency Determination rules.
• Verify your district's credit and course requirements.
• Keep records of completed classes, grades, and any required projects.
• Check whether your school offers support for students who need help meeting competency standards.
• Stay updated through official Massachusetts education sources rather than social media rumors. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c69-ss-1d))

Bottom Line for Massachusetts Families

Massachusetts graduation requirements are in a period of transition, but the core message is clear: students must meet both state and local standards to earn a diploma. The state has moved away from using MCAS as the graduation test and is now using coursework-based competency rules for the class of 2026 and beyond. At the same time, districts still control many of the practical details that determine whether a student is truly ready to graduate. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-elementary-and-secondary-education-board-updates-competency-determination))

For families, the best strategy is simple: stay informed, ask questions early, and check official Massachusetts guidance regularly. Because the statewide framework is still being finalized, the most current information may continue to change. That makes proactive planning especially important for students who are approaching graduation in the next few years. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/statewide-high-school-graduation-framework))

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Information is sourced from publicaly available information and may be inaccurate