Computer Science Substitution for Equally Rigorous Science   (#2000998)

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Section 1007.2616(6)(a), F.S., authorizes the substitution of up to one (1) mathematics credit (MA) and one (1) equally rigorous science (EQ) credit toward high school graduation for a student receiving a passing score on an industry certification examination and using an eligible computer science course containing content related to the course for which it is substituting. A listing of eligible computer science courses for the current school year is posted at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7746/urlt/1819CompSci.pdf. 

The school district would determine which industry certification exams (passing scores) can yield course substitutions for mathematics and science. It is important to note that one qualifying industry certification attainment equates to one substitution credit. A student would need to earn two distinct industry certifications tied to college credit in order to earn the maximum two substitution credits (one for math, one for science). The eligible industry certifications that are tied to statewide college credit may be found at https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-technical-edu-agreements/industry-certification.stml.

Per statute, the substitution does not apply to Biology1 or other higher-level equally-rigorous science courses; higher-level courses are Level 3 courses in the Florida Course Code Directory.

Students who receive a course substitution earn course credit counted toward high school graduation. A course substitution does not factor into a student’s grade point average (GPA).

Please note that course substitutions may not meet State University System (SUS) admission requirements or state scholarship program requirements.