The Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) process allows students to demonstrate mastery of a course’s content in order to earn a credit (given in the form of a pass/fail) without requiring the student to enroll in the course for credit.  The CDM process has two phases.  Phase 1 consists of an Assessment (EOC, CTE state assessment, or locally developed final exam), and Phase 2 consists of an Artifact to demonstrate a deep understanding and application of course content.   The Phase 2 Artifact will be scored by designated school instructional staff or according to CTE guidelines related course category.  Students are allowed to attempt CDM for any course only one time.  Retesting is not permitted.

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery is open to all public school students in grades 9-12 in high school courses and for students in grades 6-8 for high school courses offered in middle school.  Students who are interested in CDM should complete the CDM Student and Family Application and return it to their guidance counselor or principal.

CDM Testing Windows for 2025-2026 

• Summer 2025:  July 18-31, 2025 (Applications due by July 10, 2025)
• September 24-30, 2025 (Applications due by September 17, 2025)
• October 27-31, 2025 (Applications due by October 21, 2025)
• December 15-19, 2025 (Applications due by December 8, 2025)
• March 18-31, 2026 (Applications due by March 11, 2026)
• May 18-22, 2026 (Applications due by May 11, 2026)

For EOC courses, students must achieve the following scale scores to pass:

NC Math I ≥ 563

NC Math 3 ≥ 563

Biology ≥ 261

English II ≥ 565

For CTE and other courses, students must achieve a 90% correct score to qualify for Phase 2.

Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) Student and Family Application  

CDM Frequently Asked Questions 

CDM Credit Earned Documentation (To be completed and signed by appropriate staff and submitted to the LEA Testing and Accountability Coordinator or the CTE CIMC for successful completion of CDM).