Alabama no longer requires a high school graduation exam. The State Board of Education voted in November 2013 to eliminate the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, and the last students who had to pass it were those who entered ninth grade in the 2010–2011 school year. Today, a diploma is based on earned credits, required coursework, a civics test, the ACT, and (for the Class of 2026 and after) a college and career readiness indicator.
When Alabama Ended the Graduation Exam
For about 30 years, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) worked as a pass-or-fail gate to the diploma. It tested five subjects: reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies. A student could finish every required credit and still be denied a diploma for failing any one section.
The State Board voted the exam out in November 2013, concluding it no longer aligned with the state’s updated academic standards. Students who first entered ninth grade in 2010–2011 were the last class on the hook for it. Everyone after that graduated under the current model.
What Replaced the Exit Exam
Instead of a single test, Alabama now measures readiness through several pieces that work together.
Credits and Coursework
The standard Alabama High School Diploma requires at least 24 credits spread across English, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, career preparedness, an arts/CTE/world language block, and electives. The State Board sets the floor and local districts can add to it. A school counselor can walk you through the course checklist that fits your plan.1Alabama Administrative Code. Rule 290-3-1-.02 – Regulations Governing Public Schools
The ACT
Every public high school junior takes the ACT on a school day during the spring, at no cost. Alabama has used the ACT as its accountability test since 2015. Taking it is mandatory, but there is no minimum score required to graduate. A benchmark score in any single subject does, however, satisfy one of the readiness indicators described below.
The Civics Test
As part of the required U.S. Government course, students must pass a civics test modeled on the 100-question exam that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services uses for naturalization applicants. Passing means answering at least 60 of the 100 questions correctly. Local school boards decide how and when to give it, and students who don’t pass can retake it as many times as needed.2Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code 16-40-10 – Completion of Required Government Course to Include Civics Test Component
A waiver is available for students who fail the civics test at least twice but still carry a passing grade in the government course itself; the school’s chief administrator can waive the testing requirement for good cause. Special education students age 18 or older are also not required to pass the civics test unless their IEP specifically calls for it and they are learning at grade level in that subject.2Alabama Legislature. Alabama Code 16-40-10 – Completion of Required Government Course to Include Civics Test Component
A College and Career Readiness Indicator
Beginning with the Class of 2026, students on the General Education Pathway must meet at least one college and career readiness indicator before they can receive a diploma. The qualifying options include:
- A benchmark score in any subject on the ACT.
- A score of 3 or higher on any AP exam.
- A score of 4 or higher on any IB exam.
- Earning postsecondary credit while in high school (dual enrollment or similar).
- A silver or gold level on the ACT WorkKeys assessment.
- Completion of an in-school youth apprenticeship.
- A career and technical industry credential recognized by the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways.
- Acceptance into a branch of the military before graduation.
- Completion of a career and technical education program of study.
- Any additional indicator approved by the State Board of Education.
The list is wide enough that most students qualify through at least one route. A student with no interest in college can still graduate by earning a CTE credential, finishing an apprenticeship, or enlisting. Students on the Essentials or Alternate Achievement Standards diploma pathways are exempt from the indicator requirement.3Alabama Achieves. AHSG Requirements – College and Career Readiness Indicators
The FAFSA Requirement
Starting with the Class of 2022, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid before graduating, or formally opt out through a nonparticipation waiver signed off by the principal, counselor, and local superintendent. This catches families who assume the FAFSA doesn’t apply because the student isn’t going to college. Opting out is allowed; ignoring the requirement is not.
If You Were Denied a Diploma Because You Failed the Old Exam
This is the piece many adults are searching for. If you attended an Alabama public high school, earned all 24 required credits, and were denied a diploma solely because you did not pass the AHSGE, you can now receive your diploma.
The process begins with a Transcript Audit. You request that your last high school send the audit form to a participating Adult Education program, and the high school verifies the credits you earned. You must be at least 18 years old, and you will complete a basic skills assessment called the TABE (Test for Adult Basic Education) as part of enrollment. There is no new exit exam to pass.4Alabama Community College System. High School Diploma Option
If you left high school before finishing all your credits, you can still finish through the High School Diploma Option program at a local community college. You complete the remaining coursework through the Alabama Community College System’s Adult Education division, and when you’re done, you receive a state-issued diploma from the high school you originally attended, even if that school has since closed.4Alabama Community College System. High School Diploma Option
The REACH Act Expanded Access in 2025
In June 2025, Governor Ivey signed the Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act, which expanded the High School Diploma Option program. The law set the minimum age at 18 and formalized the program’s structure through the Alabama Community College System in collaboration with the State Superintendent of Education. Adults who dropped out with at least 12 credits, or who failed the discontinued exit exam, are eligible to enroll and earn a diploma through community college coursework.5Alabama Legislature. Alabama HB266 Enrolled – Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act
To start, contact the Adult Education program at your nearest community college or visit the Alabama Community College System’s website to find a local provider.