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Earning Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM)
"Credit by Demonstrated Mastery" is the process by which a school shall, based upon a body-of-evidence, award a student credit in a particular course without requiring the student to complete classroom instruction for a certain amount of seat time.
Under North Carolina's Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) option, uniquely qualified students may "test out" or bypass a course if they have already mastered the content.
CDM provides opportunities for students to learn new content, to challenge themselves with independent study, to move into an advanced course earlier, or to create room in their schedule to explore new fields or pursue enriching electives.
CDM is available to all students in North Carolina under State Board of Education policy SBE-GCS-M-001, Section 13.
Process
- CDM Phase 1 - during the testing window, students take an exam to demonstrate that they have mastered many of the essential standards of the selected course. Students with a score of 90 and above on CTE post-assessments, NC Final exams, and locally developed exams and Level V and above for EOCs will continue to Phase 2. Student results will be shared with students and families as soon as scores are returned from the state.
- CDM Phase 2 - if eligible to continue to Phase 2, students undergo a local evaluation process to demonstrate a deep understanding and knowledge of the content. This evaluation may include compiling a portfolio; creating new artifact(s) such as a written paper or multimedia presentation; giving an oral defense or presentation; and/or participating in an interview. Timelines for Phase 2 completion vary by course, but generally students should expect to complete Phase 2 work within nine weeks. A school-based committee determines the outcome of Phase 2. Results will be shared with students and families.
Applying & Testing
- Students must complete and return the CDM Application to their school counselor or the AIG Coordinator. Applications drive local development of CDM Phase 1 exams and Phase 2 projects.
Fall 2022 testing window September 19 - 30 -- application due Fri, Sept 9, 2022
Spring 2023 testing window Feb 15 - 28 -- application due Fri, Feb 3, 2023
Summer 2023 testing window July 18 - 31
- applications for new subjects due March 10, 2023
- applications for these available subjects due June 2, 2023
- see note below regarding World Languages
TCS can develop CDM exams and projects for new subjects if students apply by the "new subjects" deadline above.
Special note regarding World Languages
TCS uses the AAPPL exam for Phase 1 of the CDM process for World Languages. The student’s score report
will be interpreted according to the World
Languages Course Codes for CDM Proficiency
Levels to determine the highest level course
appropriate for the Phase 2 project. If successful in Phase 2, the student earns CDM credit for that level course and places into the next level.
TCS administers the AAPPL exam during the spring CDM testing window.
How credits will appear on transcripts
- Students will not receive a letter grade for the course.
- Students who successfully complete the process will receive a "CDM" result on their transcripts for the course, and will be eligible to enroll in the next level course in that subject area.
- Students who do not earn the course credit will not be penalized. Results of the assessment process will not be reflected in the student's grades or school transcript.
- Students may make only one attempt to earn CDM credit per course. Retests are not offered.
Questions?
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document below for common topics. For all other questions, contact your school counselor, your AIG teacher, or the AIG coordinator.
Resources
CDM Application
Slideshow for Parents/Families
Google Class with CDM resources for TCS Students enrollment code zlu5dya
Frequently Asked Questions
Available subjects additional subjects developed as students apply