The New York State Regents Examinations are standardized tests administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to high school students. These exams serve as a measure of student achievement in core academic subjects and have historically been a mandatory requirement for graduation. As the educational landscape in New York shifts toward new assessment models, staying informed about specific testing windows and policy changes is essential for students, parents, and educators.

New York State Regents examinations are administered three times annually: in January, June, and August. The June session is the primary testing period for most students finishing year-long courses, while the January and August sessions offer opportunities for early completion or credit recovery.

Essential Regents Testing Dates for 2026

For the 2026 calendar year, the New York State Education Department has finalized the administration windows. Students should note that while the state sets the general period, local school districts may have specific report times for individual buildings.

January 2026 Examination Period

The winter session is scheduled from Tuesday, January 20, through Friday, January 23, 2026. This four-day window allows students to complete mid-year requirements or retake exams from the previous year.

  • Tuesday, January 20: English Language Arts (9:15 AM); Life Science: Biology, Living Environment, and Physical Setting/Chemistry (1:15 PM).
  • Wednesday, January 21: Geometry and U.S. History & Government (9:15 AM); Algebra I (1:15 PM).
  • Thursday, January 22: Global History & Geography II (9:15 AM); Algebra II (1:15 PM).
  • Friday, January 23: Earth & Space Sciences and Physical Setting/Earth Science (9:15 AM).

June 2026 Examination Period

The primary testing session in 2026 will occur in two phases to accommodate the end of the academic year and the Juneteenth holiday. The official dates are June 9–10 and June 17–25, 2026.

  • Early Administration: The English Language Arts Regents is typically held on Tuesday, June 9, and the Algebra II Regents on Wednesday, June 10. These are often treated as regular school days in many districts.
  • Main Administration: The full block of exams begins on Wednesday, June 17, and continues through Thursday, June 25.
  • Holiday Observance: No examinations will be administered on Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
  • Rating Days: Friday, June 26, is designated as a rating day where teachers finalize scoring; no students report for testing on this day.

August 2026 Examination Period

The summer session, primarily for students attending summer school or seeking to improve prior scores, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Finalized Regents Testing Dates for 2027

To assist with long-term academic planning, NYSED has released the final dates for the 2027 examination cycles. These dates were selected to ensure the fewest number of instances where students must sit for multiple exams on a single day.

  • January 2027 Period: Tuesday, January 26, through Friday, January 29, 2027.
  • June 2027 Period: Tuesday, June 15, through Friday, June 25, 2027. Note that Friday, June 18, will serve as the Juneteenth holiday observance with no state exams scheduled. June 18 and June 25 are designated as rating days.
  • August 2027 Period: Tuesday, August 17, and Wednesday, August 18, 2027.

Detailed Subject Breakdown and Exam Composition

Understanding the structure of each exam is as critical as knowing the date. The New York State Regents system is currently transitioning to the Next Generation Learning Standards (NGLS), which alters the format and content of several key tests.

Mathematics: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II

The math Regents exams generally consist of a mix of multiple-choice and constructed-response questions.

  • Algebra I: This exam includes 24 multiple-choice questions and 11 open-ended questions of varying point values. It was the first to transition to the NGLS format in June 2024.
  • Geometry: Scheduled for a full NGLS rollout by June 2025, this exam emphasizes geometric proofs, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Algebra II: The final math exam to transition, Algebra II remains a high-stakes test for students seeking an Advanced Designation diploma.

Science: The Physical Setting and Life Sciences

Science exams are unique because they include a laboratory requirement. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of documented laboratory experience with satisfactory reports to be eligible to sit for the written exam.

  • Earth Science (Physical Setting): Includes a lab practical (Part D) administered approximately two weeks before the written test. This practical involves rock and mineral identification and earthquake location mapping.
  • Living Environment/Biology: Focuses on ecology, genetics, and human physiology. The "Life Science: Biology" exam will fully replace the older Living Environment curriculum by the June 2025 session.
  • Chemistry and Physics: These exams involve significant mathematical application and are typically taken by juniors and seniors.

Social Studies and English Language Arts

  • English Language Arts (ELA): This is a comprehensive three-part exam involving reading comprehension, a source-based argument essay, and a text-analysis response.
  • Global History and Geography II: This exam covers historical events from 1750 to the present. It utilizes stimulus-based multiple-choice questions and a Document-Based Question (DBQ) essay.
  • U.S. History and Government: This exam focuses on constitutional pillars and historical turning points in American history.

Major Policy Shift: The Phase-Out of Regents Graduation Requirements

A significant transformation is currently underway in New York State’s approach to high school diplomas. In November 2024, the Board of Regents voted to phase out the requirement that students must pass these exams to earn a high school diploma.

The Timeline for Change

While the exams themselves will likely remain available as a measure of proficiency, the mandatory "passing" requirement for graduation is scheduled to end starting with the 2027-28 school year. Students currently in high school (Classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027) are still generally required to meet the existing assessment standards unless they qualify for specific appeals or exemptions.

The Rationale for Transformation

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures recommended this shift to provide students with "multiple pathways" to demonstrate their knowledge. This includes capstone projects, career and technical education (CTE) certifications, and alternative assessments that may better reflect real-world skills than traditional three-hour standardized tests.

Testing Day Logistics and Security Protocols

Success on Regents day requires more than just academic knowledge; students must adhere to strict statewide administration policies. Failure to follow these rules can result in the invalidation of scores.

Admission Deadlines

NYSED enforces uniform statewide admission deadlines to maintain test integrity.

  • Morning Exams: These typically begin at 8:00 AM or 9:15 AM. The universal deadline for entry is usually 10:00 AM.
  • Afternoon Exams: These typically begin at 12:00 PM or 1:15 PM. The universal deadline for entry is usually 2:00 PM. Students who arrive after these deadlines will not be admitted to the testing room under any circumstances.

Prohibited Items and Electronics

The possession of electronic devices is the most common cause of score invalidation. Students are strictly prohibited from having the following in the testing room:

  • Cell phones and smartphones.
  • Smartwatches and fitness trackers.
  • Headphones, earbuds, or any Bluetooth-enabled devices.
  • Electronic dictionaries or translators (unless specifically approved as an accommodation for English Language Learners). Most schools require students to store these items in lockers or collect them at the door. If a student is found with a device during the exam—even if it is turned off—their test will not be scored.

Required Materials

Students should bring multiple sharpened No. 2 pencils and pens with blue or black ink. For mathematics and science exams, schools provide specific reference tables. While most schools provide calculators, students are often encouraged to bring their own approved graphing or scientific calculator if they are familiar with its functions, provided the memory is cleared before the start of the session.

Scoring, Results Reporting, and Appeals

Regents exams are scored on a scale of 0 to 100. Historically, a score of 65 has been the standard passing mark for a Regents Diploma.

The Conversion Chart System

Raw scores (the number of points earned) are not the final grade. After each administration, NYSED publishes a "Conversion Chart" specific to that version of the exam. This statistical equating process ensures that a student who takes a slightly more difficult version of the Algebra exam in January is not disadvantaged compared to a student taking a different version in June.

Score Appeals and Special Circumstances

Students who score between 50 and 64 may be eligible for an appeal through their local school district, especially if they have passed the corresponding course. There are also distinct "Safety Net" provisions for students with disabilities, which may allow for a passing score of 55 to meet graduation requirements.

Accessing Results

Results are typically available within two to three weeks of the examination date. In New York City, parents and students can view scores via the NYC Schools Account (NYCSA). In other districts, scores are usually posted to the student information system (such as Infinite Campus or PowerSchool) or listed on the official high school transcript.

Preparing for the Regents Exams

Given the three-hour duration and the comprehensive nature of these tests, preparation should begin well in advance of the dates listed above.

  1. Review Past Examinations: NYSED maintains an archive of previous exams and their corresponding scoring keys. Practicing with real questions from the last three years is the most effective way to understand the "language" of the test.
  2. Attend Review Sessions: Many high schools, such as Paul D. Schreiber High School and Columbia High School, offer after-school review sessions in the weeks leading up to the June session. These are often led by subject-area teachers who highlight the most frequently tested concepts.
  3. Utilize Reference Materials: For Science and Math, becoming intimately familiar with the Reference Tables is a competitive advantage. Students should know exactly which page contains the Periodic Table or the Volume Formulas so they don't waste time searching during the exam.

Summary of the Regents Testing Landscape

The New York State Regents Examinations remain a cornerstone of the state's educational assessment system through 2027. While the transition away from these exams as a mandatory graduation requirement marks a historic change, the upcoming 2026 and 2027 dates are vital milestones for current high school students. By adhering to the 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM start times, respecting the strict electronics policies, and preparing for the specific NGLS formats, students can successfully navigate these assessments.

Key Dates Quick Reference

  • Next Major Session: January 20–23, 2026.
  • Primary 2026 Session: June 9–10 and June 17–25, 2026.
  • Primary 2027 Session: June 15–25, 2027.
  • Requirement Phase-Out: Effective for the 2027-2028 school year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the passing score for a Regents exam?

The standard passing score is 65. However, students with disabilities may qualify for a "safety net" passing score of 55. In some cases, an appeal process is available for students who score between 60 and 64.

Can I retake a Regents exam if I fail or want a higher score?

Yes. Students can retake Regents exams during any of the three annual administration periods (January, June, or August). Schools generally record the highest score earned on the student's transcript.

Are Regents exams required for graduation in 2026?

Yes. For students graduating in 2026, the current requirements remain in effect. Most students must pass at least four Regents exams (one in each core subject) plus an additional approved pathway assessment. The phase-out of the graduation requirement does not begin until the 2027-2028 school year.

What happens if I am sick on the day of a Regents exam?

Regents exams are only offered during the official state-mandated windows. If a student misses an exam due to illness, they must wait until the next administration period (e.g., if you miss a June exam, the next opportunity is typically August). There are no "make-up" dates within the same testing window.

Are there any exams held on Juneteenth?

No. New York State law recognizes Juneteenth (June 19) as a public holiday. No Regents examinations are scheduled or administered on this date. If Juneteenth falls during the testing week, the schedule is adjusted to skip that day.

How do I know which room to go to for my test?

Room assignments are managed locally by each high school. Most schools post room assignments in the main lobby or through their student portal (like Google Classroom or Canvas) approximately one week before the testing window begins.

Do private school students have to take Regents exams?

It depends on the school. While the state does not require private schools to administer Regents exams, many choose to do so so their students can earn a Regents-endorsed diploma, which is highly regarded by college admissions offices.

What is the "Earth Science Lab Practical"?

It is a hands-on component of the Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents. It consists of three stations where students must perform tasks like identifying minerals and calculating the epicenter of an earthquake. It is worth approximately 15% of the total exam grade and is usually held in the weeks prior to the written test.