Advanced Coursework
The goal of the State Board of Education is that “all students will graduate from a rigorous, relevant academic program that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to succeed in both post-secondary education and 21st Century careers and to be participating, engaged citizens.” (NC Board of Education, Standard Course of Study-016)
To provide rigor in schools, most public high schools in North Carolina offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, delivered either through face-to-face instruction or via NC Virtual Public School. Some public high schools also offer International Baccalaureate courses (IB), including the IB Diploma Programme. A few public high schools offer courses through Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE).
On this site, you will find resources and information to support the continued development of rigor through advanced high school courses.
NC AP/IB/CIE Exam and Registration Fees Guidance
In summer 2014, with SL2013-360 section 8.27, the General Assembly modified 115C.83.4A to enhance access and encourage participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses by appropriating funds to pay for all AP and IB exams for public school or charter school students who are enrolled in the corresponding AP/IB courses.
In the summer of 2017, with SL2017-57 section 7.28, the General Assembly modified 115C-174.26A and SL2013-360 section 8.27 to include Cambridge International Education (CIE) AS-Level and A-Level courses as eligible advanced courses. This funding continues in the recurring budget.
AP/IB/CIE Exam Fees Guidance, 2023-2024
AP/IB/CIE Teacher Legislated Bonus Payment Information
Based on Session Law 2018-5, Senate Bill 99, Section 8.10, some Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Cambridge International Education (CIE) teachers will qualify for bonus pay in January 2024 depending on their students’ scores from the 2022-2023 administration of AP, IB, and CIE exams. This is based on legislation to reward advanced course teacher performance and support teacher retention, as well as to encourage student learning and improvement.
2023 AP/IB/CIE Legislated Teacher Bonuses
Weighted GPA Points for AP and IB Courses
AP and IB courses are designed to enable students to earn high scores on the AP or IB test, potentially leading to college credit. These courses provide credit toward a high school diploma. These courses require an End of Course (EOC) test in cases where the AP/IB course is the first course taken by a student in a subject where an EOC is required by the NC accountability program. The state course weighting system awards the equivalent of one (1) quality point to the grade earned in an AP/IB/CIE course. (SBE policy GRAD-009)
High School Transcript Standards
Advanced Courses Satisfying Graduation Requirements
As outlined in State Board of Education policy GRAD-008 and pursuant to state graduation requirements, several Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Cambridge International Examination (CIE) courses satisfy North Carolina State Board of Education graduation requirements. See link below for a course listing.
Report to the NC General Assembly: Broaden Successful Participation in Advanced Courses
This NCDPI report responds to the requirements of North Carolina General Statute § 115C-174.26, legislation establishing the NC Advanced Placement Partnership and the continuing work to broaden access and successful participation in advanced coursework in NC public schools.