Demonstrated Competency Assessments

The Utah State Board of Education mandates that school districts provide students with the opportunity to earn original credit by demonstrating competency. Students achieve this by successfully passing a state approved Demonstrated Competency Assessment (DCA).

Demonstrated Competency Assessment (DCA)
Key Points:

• Test Fee: 2026-27 school year exams are free.
• Grade Levels: Students in grades 9 through 12 can take DCAs at scheduled dates.
• Credit Options: Instead of earning credit through traditional classroom enrollment, students can earn required or elective credit by passing DCAs.
• Guidance and Acceleration: Under the guidance of a school counselor, the DCA can accelerate a student’s education.
• Content Mastery: Students are responsible for acquiring and retaining the content knowledge and skills needed to pass a DCA.
• Online Application: LINK to application test dates.
• Frequency: Each assessment can be taken only once per year, per subject tested.
• Citizenship Credit: Passing a DCA does not award citizenship credit.
• Grading: Students receive a “P” (pass) for earning credit through DCAs; no letter grades are awarded. (*see below for special conditions and exceptions).

Available Assessments:

• Biology
• Earth Systems Science
• English Language Arts (grades 9, 10, 11 & 12)
• Fitness for Life
• Geography for Life
• General Financial Literacy
• Health
• Participation Skills & Techniques
• Secondary Math (1, 2 & 3)
• U.S. Government & Citizenship
• World Civilizations

DCA Structure:

• Each DCA consists of two or more modules and may require multiple sittings.
• Students must complete the DCA application form to select a testing date and time. 
• As students pass modules, they can progress to the next stage.
• Students must bring a valid, current photo ID to their scheduled assessment. 

Results and Communication:

• A notification letter with test results will be sent via email to the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), and school counselor.

Important Notes:

• Credit earned through the Demonstrated Competency Assessment program is accepted by all public and charter schools within the State of Utah, as supported by state law. However, students enrolled in private schools or homeschool programs should consult their school district counselor or administrator before participating in the testing process to ensure that earned credit will be accepted toward graduation.
• Students pursuing a college athletic career:
  • The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) does NOT recognize courses completed through credit-by-exam. Credit earned via the Demonstrated Competency Assessment will NOT be accepted for NCAA eligibility.

 

Appointment Information: 

• Appointments are Required: To schedule an appointment, click the LINK 
• If you are unable to attend your scheduled assessment appointment, you must reschedule at least 48 hours in advance. Please note that assessment dates are limited. If you do not attend your scheduled appointment and do not reschedule within the required timeframe, you will need to wait until the following school year to test. Please plan accordingly and make every effort to attend your scheduled assessment.
• Test Dates for 2026-27:

 

What to bring with you:

Student Requirements:

• Valid Photo I.D.: Students in 9th grade and above must bring a valid, current photo I.D. when visiting the testing center. Acceptable forms of I.D. include a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or school I.D.
• Username and Password: Students are responsible for knowing their username and password for test access.
• Water is fine, but other food and drinks are not allowed in the Testing Center.

 

Testing Accommodations Policy:

Accommodations:

If a student requires IEP or 504 testing accommodations, please contact amy.anderson@loganschools.org. The student should submit relevant documentation (such as an IEP or 504 plan) one week prior to testing.

Testing Center Accommodations Policy

We provide accommodations for eligible students, as identified by an ELL, IEP, or 504 team. These accommodations align with the support provided during regular instruction throughout the academic year.

Important Notes:

• Coordination:
  • If preparation is needed to administer specific accommodations, please inform the Testing Center Coordinator in advance.
  • No study guides or school-generated testing materials will be provided prior or for DCA assessments. 
• Academic Integrity:
  • We take academic honesty seriously. The following behaviors are considered academically dishonest:
    • Copying from another person’s work.
    • Allowing someone to copy from you.
    • Using unauthorized materials.
    • Taking an examination for another person or permitting someone else to take an exam for you.
    • Attempting to remove test materials or answers from the Testing Center.
    • Navigating away from your test during the assessment.
• Consequences:
  • Individuals caught engaging in these behaviors may have their assessments terminated, and the school counselor will be notified.

Important Requirement for All DCAs

Students who do not pass Section 1 cannot continue to the remaining sections and must wait one calendar year before attempting the DCA again.

For the Health DCA, service projects and First Aid/CPR/AED certificates must be verified by the Testing Center Coordinator before proceeding. Essays are graded by the appropriate Logan City School District teacher.

Tests are based on Utah Curriculum Core Standards. No study guides or school-generated testing materials will be provided for DCA assessments. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Requirements:

 

 

 

PST Section 2 — Sports

Students select 4 sports total:

• 2 team sports: Football, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball
• 2 individual sports: Tennis, Bowling, Racquetball, Badminton, Golf

Students must maintain an 80% or better average on each of the four sport tests to advance.

Students demonstrate skills for the same four sports selected in Section 2 and must pass 2 of 3 skills for each sport.

 

PST Section 3 — Physical Fitness Requirements

Students must pass 3 of the 4 requirements.