If you exited high school between 1981 to 2008, but did not receive a diploma due to non-passing scores on the Reading Competency Test, Math Competency Test, and/or the Computer Skills Test, you may now petition your high school for a diploma. 

Effective July 1, 2009, Senate Bill 202/State Law 2009-451 eliminated the Competency Tests in Reading and Mathematics and the Computer Skills Tests. 

To petition for a diploma, you must do the following:

• Present your North Carolina Certificate of Achievement
  or
• Complete and Print the Petition Request Form from this Website or request a petition from your previous high school
• Present your information to a high school counselor
• Show your picture I.D. when you present your petition

The High School Petition is in Adobe PDF format. Get the Petition here:

Upon verifying your diploma eligibility, the high school counselor will obtain the principal’s signature. The high school will then obtain permission to grant a diploma from the Cumberland County Schools Superintendent’s Designee. 

You will receive a letter approving or denying your petition from the Superintendent’s Designee. If approved, you will be instructed in the letter as to how your diploma will be given.  If denied, the reason for denial will be explained in the letter. 

For further questions, please contact the appropriate school principal or visit the NC Department of Public Instruction Website for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.