On Dec. 7, 2005, the State Board of Education passed revisions to Rule 160-1-3-.09, which guides waivers and variances from the Georgia High School Graduation Test requirements. The changes to this rule update and standardize the State Board's procedures in granting such waivers and variances.

In order to qualify for consideration of a waiver or variance, a student must meet several criteria. Keep in mind that your applying for a waiver or variance does not automatically mean that you will receive one. Therefore, in the meantime, students are encouraged to continue retesting. The entire process may take up 3 to 4 months. Please review the state board rules and FAQ before deciding whether a waiver or variance should be applied for or not.

Check with the college or university Office of Admissions to determine its perspective on students who graduate through this waiver and variance process.

STATE BOARD RULE
To view the board rule 160-1-3-.09, click here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For FAQs about waivers and variances, click here.

WAIVER CHECKLIST
For a Waiver Student Application and checklist, click here.

VARIANCE CHECKLIST
For a Variance Student Application and checklist, click here.

FLOW CHART
To view the application process, click here.

STANDARD ERROR OF MEASUREMENT
To view the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), click here.

WAIVER TIMELINE
To view the waiver timeline, click here.

For more information about applying for a waiver or variance, contact your child’s school counselor.


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