Credit by Demonstrated Mastery or CDM is a process that allows students to earn high school course credit by demonstrating command of course material/content without taking the actual course. Content for the CDM process is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

CDM Process

This process occurs in two phases:

• Phase 1 testing
  • For EOC courses, students take the state EOC exam and must get the equivalent of a level 5
  • For Non-EOC courses, students take the equivalent of the final exam for that course and must make a 90% or higher.
  • For World Language courses, students complete a reading and listening test in the target language.
• Phase 2 additional demonstration of mastery
  • For Non-World Language courses, student create an artifact/work product that demonstrates their deep understanding of the content standards including the ability to apply the skills and knowledge expected at the end of the course. The artifact/work product may include items such as a presentation, project, or interview as evidence of student ability.
  • For World Language courses, students complete a speaking and writing test in the target language.

CDM for Middle School Students

Middle school students may only participate in the CDM process for those high school courses which are allowed to be taught in middle school: 

• English I (8th grade students only)
• Math I and Math II
• Math III (8th grade students only)
• World Language Levels 1 and 2

CDM for High School Students

High school students have the option for courses that are taught in UCPS. Most students have traditionally chosen classes in the core subjects of English, math, science and social studies as well as World Languages. CDM is currently available for courses taught in UCPS high schools and listed in the program of studies. Courses that are specifically excluded by the state include CTE work based courses, healthful living required course, AP/IB courses, ELL courses or OCS courses. Honors level course credit is not available through this process.

Additional CDM Information

• Students may only attempt the CDM process once for a course at any time. Students only have one attempt at the phase 1 exam.
• All course prerequisites for both middle and high school students must be met prior to attempting the CDM process for a specific course.
• No additional study or preparation materials are provided. By signing up for CDM, students assert that they have mastery of the content. The content standards for the course or subject area that students are choosing to participate in are available at http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/curriculum/ 
• For Phase 1 and Phase 2 results, all that will be provided is whether a student "Met" or "Not Met" the criteria for the Phase.
• For successful students, credit is placed on the transcript at a college prep level with a grade of "CDM". This is GPA neutral. No honors level credit is awarded through the CDM process.
• For future course planning purposes, we encourage students to schedule classes as if they do not earn credit through the CDM process - results are provided to schools in time so that they can make schedule adjustments, if necessary, for successful students.
• The CDM process can be challenging for the best students - remember that students have to be highly successful on the equivalent of a final exam for the course in order to move on to phase 2. If students do not qualify from phase 1, students will not have the opportunity to earn CDM for that specific course.
• Students/parents are allowed to file for grievance if they do not agree with the decision of the team. A grievance must be filed within 10 days of the team decision to the CDM coordinator and include the basis for the grievance.
• CDM is currently available for courses taught in UCPS high schools and listed in the program of studies.

2025 CDM Timeline

• May 1-23, 2025 - Application window open
  • No late applications will be accepted
  • Students must use their UCPS Google accounts to complete the form
  • Pre-requisites are checked and verification that the student has not previously attempted CDM for the course
• Week of June 9th, 2025 - Notification of application status
  • Communicated via UCPS e-mail
• July 22-23, 2025 - Phase 1 testing
  • Testing will take place in person - location TBA
  • Students approved for CDM will be provided with a choice in their testing times on those two days
  • No make-ups or alternative testing times will be provided.
• July 24, 2025 - Phase 1 results communicated
  • Communicated via UCPS e-mail
  • Successful Phase 1 students participating in World Language CDM will sign up for a Phase 2 Testing Time
  • Successful Phase 1 students for all other subjects will have their Phase 2 assignment for their artifact/work product shared with them for students to work on between July 24th-August 8th.
• July 28, 2025 - Phase 2 World Language Testing
  • Testing will take place in person - location TBA
  • Students approved for Phase 2 will be provided with a choice in their testing times of morning or afternoon.
  • No make-ups or alternative testing times will be provided.
• August 8, 2025 - Phase 2 Artifacts/Work Products Due for non-World Language courses
  • Instructions on how to submit and/or complete Phase 2 will be included in the Phase 2 assignment
• August 13, 2025 - Phase 2 Results Communicated to students and schools
  • Communicated via UCPS e-mail
  • Schools will also receive notification and will be able to adjust schedules as necessary
  • Students successful for EOC courses will need to complete and return paperwork to their school before the first day of classes for the fall semester

2025 CDM Application

• May 1-23, 2025 - Application window open - No late applications will be accepted
  • Students must use their UCPS Google Account to complete the application
  • Students should complete the form with their parent/guardian
  • Students may participate in the CDM process for a maximum of 3 courses.
  • A separate application is required for each course.
  • 2025 CDM Application Link (UCPS Google Account Required)

For more information, please contact Ryan Williams.