Development and Design of the NEDP


The National External Diploma Program (NEDP) grew out of a study designed to identify the reasons that the “over twenty-five” adult population in New York were not participating in existing adult high school completion programs. Results from that study led to the development of the NEDP, an adult applied-performance, competency-based assessment program awarding a high school diploma to skilled adults who have acquired many of their high school level abilities through their life experiences. As they complete the NEDP process, adults demonstrate their abilities in a series of simulations that parallel job and life situations. They are evaluated according to established performance criteria instead of by comparison with others. A key feature that distinguishes this program from other high school completion programs is that it is an assessment program, not merely an instructional program. Another key feature is that NEDP participants receive a traditional high school diploma — rather than an equivalency certificate — upon successful completion of program requirements. This outstanding program consists of two phases: Diagnostics and Assessment.

The target population for NEDP is adults who have not recently attended school or had recent test-taking experience, but who have acquired high school level academic skills in ways other than through curriculum-based programs. NEDP also attracts adults who are anxious about taking tests. The average NEDP graduate is thirty-seven years old. This program allows adults who have successfully run households or held jobs to demonstrate their competence in the same manner they have been using those skills over the years — in context. NEDP attracts a different population from that currently served in other existing programs, owing largely to "user friendly" features that adults request such as:



Phases of the NEDP

Diagnostic Phase
In the Diagnostic Phase a trained NEDP advisor conducts a series of evaluations of the adult's basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as entry-level job skills. The applicant then receives a prescriptive analysis, if necessary, that shows which skills require upgrading as well as a list of helpful community resources from which to acquire the necessary remediation. The individual may also pursue other means, including self-study, depending on what is best suited to personal needs and preferences. After a period of study to upgrade skills, the applicant returns to the NEDP office for reassessment.


Assessment Phase
In the Assessment Phase the adult learner works with a trained NEDP assessor to demonstrate 65 competencies that are embedded in a series of simulations of realistic tasks, such as finding a job or exploring economics and global interdependence. In this phase the adult also demonstrates an individualized competency by verifying occupational or specialized skills. This is done through an employer evaluation or a performance demonstration in front of a community expert in the specialized field. Advanced academic assessment or completion of training programs also can serve as individualized competency demonstration. Once these and the 65 competencies are demonstrated with 100 percent mastery and reviewed by another assessment specialist, the local or state school board awards a traditional high school diploma.

NEDP Graduate Information


A note to postsecondary institutions:

NEDP graduates, similar to GED graduates, do not present a traditional high school transcript when they apply to postsecondary institutions. However, it is important to point out that the National External Diploma Program must be approved by state and local boards of education (or local diploma granting agencies) in states where this program is available. Currently the NEDP is approved as a high school diploma option in ten states. The diploma itself must be identical in all material respects and must confer all the rights, privileges, and benefits of a high school diploma customarily awarded to students who successfully complete the current high school curriculum requirements.

These students are usually:
  • Somewhat older with more life and work experiences
  • Able to manage their family, work, and civic responsibilities as well as college work
  • Self-directed and willing to do whatever it takes to complete their college goals
  • Credentialed through alternative means (by high school level portfolio assessment)

The vast majority of U.S. colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions have policies that permit the admission of students who do not have a traditional high school diploma. Of those admitted many have completed the GED or met entrance requirements through examinations. Your institution may also receive interest from individuals who have earned their high school diploma through the NEDP program.

The original model for the National External Diploma Program was developed in New York and validated in 1979 by the Joint Dissemination and Review Panel of the U.S. Department of Education. For further information about NEDP graduates, please Contact us

If you think you would like to offer the NEDP at your agency, Contact us

If you have adults who might benefit and you would like to refer them to an existing NEDP program, visit our list of NEDP sites