in new york state, regents examinations are statewide standardized examinations in core high school subjects. students are required to pass these exams in order to earn a regents diploma. to graduate, students are required to have earned appropriate credits in a number of specific subjects by passing year-long or half-year courses, after which they must pass at least five regents examinations in some of the subject areas. for higher-achieving students, a regents with advanced designation and an honors designation are also offered. students with disabilities or enrolled in an english as a second language program are able to earn a local diploma.