NYC Regents Exams 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The New York State Regents Exams are one of the most critical milestones in a student’s academic journey. Whether you're a student preparing to take your first exam or a parent trying to support your child through the process, understanding the structure, requirements, and preparation strategies for the Regents Exams can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for the 2025 Regents Exams—including why now is the best time to start preparing.
What Are the Regents Exams?
The Regents Exams are standardized tests administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to assess high school students' proficiency in core academic subjects. They are a graduation requirement for most public school students in New York State.
There are currently 10 Regents Exams:
English Language Arts (ELA)
Mathematics: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry
Science: Living Environment, Physical Setting - Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics
Social Studies: Global History & Geography II, U.S. History & Government
Students may also take exams in World Languages or Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas for diploma pathway options.
Regents Exams Dates – 2025 Schedule
The Regents Exams are offered in January, June, and August of each year. Below you’ll find the full exam schedule for 2025, consolidated by date.
January 2025
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
9:15 am – English Language Arts
1:15 pm – Physical Setting/Earth Science, Physical Setting/Chemistry
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
9:15 am – Geometry, U.S. History & Government
1:15 pm – Algebra I, Physical Setting/Physics
Thursday, January 23, 2025
9:15 am – Global History & Geography II
1:15 pm – Algebra II
Friday, January 24, 2025
9:15 am – Living Environment
June 2025
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
9:15 am – Geometry
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
9:15 am – English Language Arts
1:15 pm – Living Environment
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
9:15 am – Global History & Geography II
1:15 pm – Algebra I
Friday, June 20, 2025
9:15 am – U.S. History & Government
1:15 pm – Physical Setting/Earth Science
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
9:15 am – Physical Setting/Chemistry
1:15 pm – Physical Setting/Physics
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
9:15 am – Algebra II
August 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
8:30 am – Algebra I, English Language Arts
12:30 pm – Global History & Geography II, Algebra II
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
8:30 am – U.S. History & Government, Physical Setting/Earth Science, Physical Setting/Chemistry
12:30 pm – Geometry, Living Environment
Students should check with their specific school to ensure accurate times and locations.Students should always verify exact times and locations with their school.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a Regents Diploma, students must:
Earn 22 credits (or 44 credits in NYC)
Pass five Regents Exams: one in English, one in math, one in science, one in social studies, and one pathway exam
Students can also pursue advanced designations:
Advanced Regents Diploma (requires additional math and science exams)
Regents Diploma with Honors (average score of 90+ on required exams)
Scoring and Appeals
Regents Exams are scored on a 0–100 scale, with a passing score typically set at 65. However, students with documented needs or specific circumstances may appeal a score between 60–64 (or lower for certain populations like English Language Learners or students with disabilities).
Learn more about appeals and exceptions at the Advocates for Children of NY website.
How to Prepare for the Regents Exams
1. Start During Summer Break
Summer is the perfect time to review past material without the distraction of current classes. Students can:
Revisit past lessons
Review course textbooks
Take advantage of tutoring or prep programs like Now Test Prep
Take full-length practice tests from the official NYSED Regents Archive
2. Use Past Exams
Old Regents Exams are a goldmine for preparation. Practice with real test questions, review answer keys, and become familiar with the test structure. This helps reduce test anxiety and improve time management.
3. Study Strategically
Identify your weakest areas and focus on improving them
Break study sessions into manageable chunks (e.g., 30-45 minutes)
Use active recall techniques: flashcards, practice essays, and summary sheets
4. Take Practice Tests
Simulate the test environment by taking full-length exams under timed conditions. This builds stamina and reveals any knowledge gaps.
5. Get Professional Help
Consider one-on-one tutoring tailored to your learning style. At Now Test Prep, we design customized study plans that focus on efficiency, retention, and confidence-building.
How Parents Can Support
Parents play a vital role in helping students succeed:
Create a Supportive Study Environment: Help your child set up a quiet, distraction-free study area
Encourage Consistency: Help build a daily or weekly study routine
Ask Active Questions: Use techniques like Elaborative Interrogation—ask your child "Why do you think this is true?" or "Can you explain that back to me?"
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress to keep morale high
Partner with Experts: Don’t hesitate to get outside help. Our team at Now Test Prep is here to guide students through every step of the Regents journey
Final Thoughts
The Regents Exams are not just another set of standardized tests—they’re a crucial stepping stone toward graduation and college. With the right strategies, support system, and study habits, any student can conquer them.
Start now. Summer is the best time to prep smartly and build confidence before the school year kicks in. And remember, you're not alone. Reach out to Now Test Prep for customized support every step of the way.
Visit nysedregents.org to access official past exams.
Have questions or want a free consultation? Contact us today.
