A High School Graduation Diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed the required subjects and electives.

Students require a minimum of 18 credits to graduate.

• No more than 7 of the 18 credits may be for grade 10 courses, and at least 5 must be for grade 12 courses. 
• A High School Graduation Diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed the required subjects and electives.

The following are compulsory credits for graduation.

Language, Communication, and Expression

• 3 English language arts, one at each grade level, or for students in Acadian or Francophone schools and for students in French immersion, 3 French language arts, one at each grade level
• 1 arts: dance, drama, music, or visual arts

Science, Mathematics, and Technology

• 2 mathematics
• 2 science: one from biology, chemistry, Science 10, or physics, and one other approved science course
• 2 others from mathematics, science, and/or technology: eligible courses include Audio Recording and Production 12; Business Technology 11 and 12; Communications Technology 11 and 12; Computer Programming 12; Construction Technology 1 0; Construction Trades 11; Design 11; Electrotechnologies 11; Energy, Power, and Transportation 11; Film and Video Production 12; Food Technology 1 0; Exploring Technology 1 0; Housing and Design 12; Multimedia 12; Production Technology 11 and 12; Skilled Trades 10; Skilled Trades Co-op 12; Textile Production 10; Textile Technology 12; and Transportation Trades 11.

Personal Development and Society

• 1 Physical Education: eligible credits include Physical Education 10, Physical Education 11 , Dance 11, Fitness Leadership 11, Physically Active Living 11, Yoga 11, Physical Education 12, and Physical Education Leadership 12
• 1 Canadian History: African Canadian Studies 11; Canadian History 11/Histoire du Canada 11; Etude acadiennes I 1; Gaelic Studies 1 I; and Mi'kmaq Studies I 0
• 1 global studies: Global Geography, Advanced Global Geography, Global History, Advanced Global History, Global Politics, and Advanced Global Politics

Note: Within the 18 course requirements for a graduation diploma, in most cases, no student may receive credit for two courses in the same specific subject area at the same grade level. There are a few exceptions: these include co-op courses, Canadian Literature, Global Geography, Global History, Global Politics, family studies, and technology-related courses.

Note: Although the minimum number of credits required for graduation is 18, it is highly recommended that schools develop schedules that allow students to complete 20, 21, or even 24 credits. Schedules should be designed to meet student needs, interests, and abilities.

Note: Individual Program Plans (IPPs) approved by the school board for students with special needs and locally developed courses approved by the department are recognized as credit courses and count toward a High School Graduation Diploma.