The GNWT has announced that NWT students are automatically exempt from writing diploma exams in January.
N.W.T. uses Alta’s examination program, but the province has cancelled January exams after instructional time was lost due to the teachers strikes this fall.
According to the announcement issued this afternoon, students will have a chance to write their exam later in the school year beginning in April.
“NWT students are automatically exempt from writing diploma exams in January. Students who wish to write an exam later in the school year will continue to have opportunities to do so,” said officials.
Officials said that the cancelled exams will not impact the graduation status of students or their eligibility for post secondary programs.
The GNWT outlined what this will mean for students:
- Automatic exemption: No diploma exams will be written in January.
- Future exam opportunities: Students may write their exam in April or June 2026.
- Final marks: Students who choose not to write at a later date will receive their school-awarded mark as their final course mark.
- No impact on graduation or post-secondary access: Transcripts will note that no diploma exam was written, which will not affect graduation status or eligibility for post-secondary programs.
- School-based finals: Some schools may continue to offer school-developed final assessments as part of their usual evaluation process. These assessments are separate from Alberta diploma exams.
“The GNWT understands that this change may be unexpected for some students and families. Schools are prepared to support students as they consider their options and plan next steps. Students or parents with questions should contact their school principal and/or teachers,” representatives with the ministry of Education.
Officials said that anyone who would like more information about diploma examinations in the NWT, can also visit the Ministry of Education’s webpages at www.ece.gov.nt.ca.
