Demonstrated Competency

The Utah State Board of Education mandates that school districts provide students with the opportunity to earn original credit by demonstrating competency. Students achieve this by successfully passing a state approved Demonstrated Competency Assessment (DCA).

Key Points:

• Test Fee: A test fee of $25 applies only to the World Languages exam; all other exams are free.

• Grade Levels: Students in grades 9 through 12 can take DCAs at any time.

• Credit Options: Instead of earning credit through traditional classroom enrollment, students can earn required or elective credit by passing DCAs.

• Guidance and Acceleration: Under the guidance of a school counselor, the DCA can accelerate a student’s education.

• Content Mastery: Students are responsible for acquiring and retaining the content knowledge and skills needed to pass a DCA.

• Online Applications: Applications for DCAs are available online.

• Frequency: Each assessment can be taken only once per year, per subject tested.

• Citizenship Credit: Passing a DCA does not award citizenship credit.

• Grading: Students receive a “P” (pass) for earning credit through DCAs; no letter grades are awarded (*see below for special conditions and exceptions).

Available Assessments:

• Biology

• Earth Systems Science

• English Language Arts (grades 9, 10, 11 & 12)

• Fitness for Life

• Geography for Life

• General Financial Literacy

• Health

• Participation Skills & Techniques

• Secondary Math (1, 2 & 3)

• U.S. Government & Citizenship

• World Civilizations

• World Languages

DCA Structure:

• Each DCA consists of two or more modules and may require multiple sittings.

• As students pass modules, they can progress to the next stage.

• Students must contact the Testing Center to schedule an appointment and bring a valid current photo I.D. for testing.

• View DCA application

Results and Communication:

• A notification letter with test results will be sent via email to the student, parent(s) or guardian(s), and school counselor.

Important Notes:

• Credit earned through the Demonstrated Competency Assessment program is accepted by all public and charter schools within the State of Utah, as supported by state law. However, students enrolled in private schools or homeschool programs should consult their school district counselor or administrator before participating in the testing process to ensure that earned credit will be accepted toward graduation.

• Students pursuing a college athletic career:

  • The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does NOT recognize courses completed through credit-by-exam. Credit earned via the Demonstrated Competency Assessment will NOT be accepted for NCAA eligibility.

• Students pursuing the Utah Regents’ Scholarship:

  • Please refer to the Regents Scholarship Program Guide for information regarding competency testing.

Testing Center Accommodations Policy

We provide accommodations for eligible students, as identified by an ELL, IEP, or 504 team. These accommodations align with the support provided during regular instruction throughout the academic year.

Important Notes:

• Coordination:

  • If preparation is needed to administer specific accommodations, please inform the Testing Center Coordinator in advance.

• Academic Integrity:

  • We take academic honesty seriously. The following behaviors are considered academically dishonest:

    • Copying from another person’s work.

    • Allowing someone to copy from you.

    • Using unauthorized materials.

    • Taking an examination for another person or permitting someone else to take an exam for you.

    • Attempting to remove test materials or answers from the Testing Center.

    • Navigating away from your test during the assessment.

• Consequences:

  • Individuals caught engaging in these behaviors may have their assessments terminated, and the school will be notified.