Credit by Demonstrated Mastery

  • Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) provides the opportunity for students in Durham to personalize and accelerate their learning by earning course credit through a demonstration of course material mastery without the requirement of a specific seat ­time. Students are required to complete a two-phase process in order to demonstrate command of the course material at a level that demonstrates a deep understanding of the content standards and the ability to apply his or her knowledge of the material.
     
    The process for CDM includes an online application, Phase I assessment, and Phase II artifact and/or performance assessment. Students will be required to demonstrate mastery at a superior level, 90% or greater, at both phases.
     
    Access to the CDM process is open to all NC public school students for courses in grades 9-­12 and high school courses offered in grades 6-8, except for the following:
    • English Language Learner (ELL) courses
    • Healthful Living required courses
    • AP/IB courses, CTE courses that are work-based (coop, internship, apprenticeship); require a clinical setting (ProStart, Early Childhood Education I/II, and Nursing Fundamentals); and/or Advanced Studies

    Testing Information for 2024-2025

    Fall 2024 Testing Window:

    Applications are now open.

        Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. September 6  

         Note: Exact testing dates will be confirmed once the application window closes.

    Spring 2025 Testing Window

    Applications are now open.    

    Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. February 3 

    • Click Here for the Spring CDM Application.
    • DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SPRING TESTING: 11:59 p.m. February 3
    • Testing will occur from February 18 - March 3.

         Note: Exact testing dates will be confirmed once the application window closes.

     Summer 2025 Testing Window  

    Applications are now open.

    Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. May 8 

    • Click Here for CDM Application.
    • DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SUMMER TESTING: 11:59 p.m. May 8
    • Testing will occur:
      •  July 18 - 31 

           Note: Exact testing dates will be confirmed once the application window closes.

    For inquiries regarding Credit By Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) for students enrolled in Durham Public Schools please contact:

     

    For inquiries regarding CDM and CTE courses, please contact:

    More questions? See our FAQs here.