Columbia, S.C. – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman urges anyone who did not pass the exit exam but is otherwise eligible for a high school diploma, to submit their petition for a diploma under Act 155 by the statutory deadline of December 31, 2015.

“We have given out nearly 6,000 diplomas to qualified individuals,” said Spearman. “These people met every requirement for a high school diploma except for passing the exit exam. Receiving their diploma has now opened up job opportunities and doors for career advancement. I encourage all potential candidates for a high school diploma under Act 155 to petition their local school board by the deadline of December 31, 2015,” concluded Spearman.

The South Carolina General Assembly passed Act 155, which eliminated the exit exam and allowed individuals who did not receive a high school diploma because they did not pass the exam, to file a petition with their local school board for a diploma. Once the board approves a petition, it is sent to the South Carolina Department of Education for processing. The total time to receive the diploma is approximately four to six weeks from the time it is approved by the school board.

Interested applicants should contact their school district using our online directory and ask for the district’s Act 155 application. 

The Department has maintained a frequently asked questions page for applicants, the public, and media with more information about Act 155 and the process to follow in filing a petition.