TAP Coach - High School Equivalency Diploma

One way that a student can demonstrate eligibility for TAP is by earning a high school equivalency diploma, commonly referred to as the GED. *

A student can earn a high school equivalency diploma in New York State in one of two ways: (1) by taking and earning passing scores on a test or (2) by completing 24 semester hour credits in specified subjects as a recognized candidate for a degree in an approved (accredited) institution. The 24 credits must include 6 credits in English language arts, 3 credits in mathematics, 3 credits in the natural sciences, 3 credits in the social sciences, and 6 credits in any other courses within the student's registered ** degree or certificate program.

Note: A student who has earned the requisite 24 credits is considered to have the "recognized equivalent" of a high school diploma, even before the State Education Department has issued a high school equivalency diploma.

For purposes of meeting TAP eligibility criteria, the 24 credits can include courses in which D grades were earned, providing the D was a passing grade and the student earned the credit.

If a student transfers from one institution to another, credits earned at both institutions can be used to determine whether the student satisfies the 24-credit requirements, providing the credits were earned at approved institutions and are listed on an official transcript. This procedure can apply even when the receiving institution does not accept all credits earned at a previous institution, as long as the prior credits are documented on an official transcript from an accredited institution.


*The GED actually refers to the test of General Educational Development. Passing scores on the GED test result in the State Education Department awarding a student a high school equivalency diploma.

**Registered program means a program that the State Education Department has reviewed and approved and is included in the Department’s official Inventory of Registered Programs.