The New York Regents Competency Testing Program has been designed to assure that all students develop adequate skills in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics before graduation from high school. In this booklet, information is provided on two elements of the Regents Competency Testing Program: diploma standards and screening tests. Minimum standards of achievement in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics must be met in order to receive a high school diploma. The requirements for a local high school diploma, a Regents high school diploma, and a local certificate are outlined. The competency testing requirements are described, and examples from the Regents Competency Tests are presented. For students whose native language is other than English, alternative testing procedures are available. The Regents Competency Testing Program also emphasizes the early identification of students who need special help in developing their skills. Beginning in grade 3, screening tests are administered to identify students who need special help. Those tests are also described in this bulletin. (BW)