Certificate of Academic/Individual Achievement

The Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) and Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) tell families, schools, businesses and colleges that an individual student has mastered a minimum set of reading, writing and math skills by graduation. State law (RCW 28A.655.061) dictates the assessment graduation requirement.

The CIA is for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). As 10th graders, students in special education programs can earn a CIA by passing the Basic option (passing with a score of Level 2 or higher) or via the WAAS-Portfolio. In grades 11 and 12, students who have not yet earned a CIA may also use the Developmentally Appropriate Proficiency Exam (DAPE), which allows students to take the HSPE at a grade level that best matches their abilities.

Students through the class of 2012 can earn a CAA/CIA by passing the high school reading, writing and math exams. If they do not pass a math exam, they can still earn a diploma by earning two credits of math after 10th grade.

Students in classes of 2013 and 2014 will be required to earn a CAA/CIA by passing a reading, writing and math exam. Beginning with the class of 2015, students must pass reading, writing, two end-of-course math exams and one biology end-of-course exam.

In addition to passing state exams, students can meet their assessment graduation requirements by passing state-approved alternatives, or Certificate of Academic Achievement Options. To learn more about CAA Options.