• Credit by Demonstrated Mastery

    Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) is the process by which a student may earn credit for a high school course by demonstrating a deep understanding of course content, without course enrollment or seat time. 

    The CDM process requires students to complete a two-phase assessment and meet the expected targets in order to demonstrate mastery of the course content. 

    Phase 1: A standard examination -- which shall be the EOC where applicable -- a locally developed assessment, or other district approved assessments.

    Phase 2: An artifact, portfolio, or assessment that requires the student to apply knowledge and skills relevant to the content standards.

    To apply to participate in the CDM process, complete the CDM Application and Agreement. Applications must be submitted to your school-based CDM Coordinator.

     

    Application Window

    Year-round/Modified/Early Calendars: September 22 - November 14, 2025
    Traditional: October 6 - December 12, 2025

     

    Phase I Testing

    Track 1: December 1 - 5, 2025
    Track 2:     December 15 - 19, 2025
    Track 3:     December 15 - 19, 2025
    Track 4:     December 15 - 19, 2025 

    Modified/Early Calendars (HS and MS): December 15-19, 2025

    Traditional Calendars (HS and MS): January 16 - 23, 2026

    More information and materials

    CDM Process 

    1. Student Expresses Interest in the CDM Process
      Students will express interest formally by completing the Application for Credit by Demonstrated Mastery document and returning it to the CDM contact within their school. This typically happens in September and October.  
    2. Academic Counseling Process
      It is important that each student understands the CDM process and its implications for their four-year plan, transcript, grade point average, and class rank.  Each student is expected to meet with their counselor to discuss these items.  This typically happens in November-January based on the testing schedule.
    3. Phase 1 Assessment
      Phase 1 is an assessment of foundational understanding of the concepts and standards of the course. This is a multiple choice assessment. The Phase 1 assessment occurs during the last 5 days of the first semester. Students are notified of their results from January-February based on the testing schedule. There are two paths based on results: 
      1. Student Does Not Show Proficiency in Phase 1
        When a student does not show proficiency at the Phase 1 level, the process ends.  No credit is earned.  There is no notation of this attempt on the student’s transcript.
      2. Student Shows Proficiency on Phase 1
        When a student does meet the required proficiency on Phase 1, they will be given information related to the Phase 2 assessment process.
    4. Phase 2 Assessment 
      Phase 2 assessments can take many forms depending on the course and its standards.  Student action to submit artifacts and/or complete a task is typically completed by the end of March and then assessed by a district CDM Review Panel.  Results will be shared in April. There are two paths based on results: 
      1. Student Does Not Show Proficiency in Phase 2
        No credit is earned.  There is no notation of this attempt on the student’s transcript.
      2. Student Does Show Proficiency in Phase 2
        Credit will be recorded on the transcript by the school.  Grade will be marked as CDM.  

    Contact us

    Email questions to: cdmquestions@wcpss.net