Writing Diplomas
Preparing for by David SmithIt is important to be prepared for writing exams and obtaining your diploma. We take student readiness seriously, and it is crucial that students at the 30 level show commitment towards learning, studying and understanding all the required content for their exams.
Although we support and organize writing centers for students in online school, in some cases, students who live outside the Rocky View County boundaries will need to contact a neighboring high school to obtain permission to write their diplomas there. Please refer to the links below for more information on how to sign up with My Pass, prepare your computer, and attempt practice exams for English and Social Diplomas.
Summit Trails has a writing centre located in Aidrie. Any student is permitted to write at our location. However, most students chose to write at a high school in their area.
- Online students write their diplomas at neighbouring schools. All students are contacted via email on the dates of their exams and where they are writing.
Options for Writing Centres
- RVS Schools (those that live in Rocky View boundaries)
- Summit Trails (located at CW Perry School, Airdrie)
- Outside RVS
- Rocky View Schools Writing Centre Confirmation Email - Students have been communicated with via email and will receive another confirmation email prior to exams.
Outside Rocky View Boundaries?
How to Register at your Neighboroughing School.
- Register with MyPass
- Find High School in your Area
- Call the high school and request to write at their school
- Complete Registration on MyPass
See below on how to sign up for exam or view past exam marks
- Bring a Photo ID for entrance
- Passports/Vehicle License/School Card/Government Issued Card – you can take a picture on your phone; you don’t need to bring the passport in.
- You can use expired documentation as long as it shows your face and your name on the ID.
- It is recommended to show up 15-20 minutes before the exam so that you have time to sign into the school and become oriented to where you are writing.
- Talk to your teacher about diploma prep courses.
Completing the Exams
English Language Arts Part A and Social Studies Part A
- School computers or personal computers using the Vretta program (Alberta Education)
- Students use diploma booklets for planning.
Math and Science
- paper and pencil exams ( bring your pencils ) & Calculators
- Complete a bubble sheet and use the booklet to plan your answers.
To use your own computer, you must have installed the following on your device.
***NO Chromebooks - you are going to a school that requires you to bring your laptop; please contact the Summit Trails office so that we can connect with the school you are attending.
Non-RVS School: Please call the school and check if they have a computer for you to use.
PC (NO Chromebooks):
Step 1: Safe Exam Browser Download
Step 2: Diploma Config File Download (this is the file you will open on exam day)
Once installed - locate SEB_A_1190.seb
Mac Book/Air:
Step 1: Safe Exam Browser Download
Step 2: Diploma Config File Download (this is the file you will open on exam day)
Once installed - locate SEB_A_1190.seb
To Confirm the System is Working
Open the SEB_A_1190.seb file, and you should see the following screen:
If you see this screen, your computer is ready to go. Click on the SEB file to access your exam.
Alberta Education's e-Assessment (Vretta)
You will need your Alberta Education number. This is located on the top right-hand side of the page when you sign into your PowerSchool account.
Practice Test for ELA 30-1, 3-2 and Social Studies 30-1, 30-2
In line with Alberta Ed guidelines, we register accommodations for students with IPPs, ensuring they receive necessary support when they arrive at their exam location. Additionally, some students may decline accommodations based on their abilities, and we respect their decisions.
If you or any parents have further questions or need more information, please contact us. We are committed to supporting students and parents in creating a conducive learning environment.
Accommodates Available
Reader: Students receive a digital verbal copy of the exam. An MP3 is uploaded to their computer when they arrive, or the school will provide a laptop with it preloaded. The MP3 is deleted from the computer when the child is done.
Time: Students can receive extra time to complete the exam.
Text to Speech: Students can use computers for text to speech tools. Earbuds are not provided by the school and students must bring their own to the exam (wired earbuds/earphones).
Alternate: A student can request an alternate space. That means the student will write in a smaller setting at the school. However, all exams must be written at a school.
Carefully read the Diploma Exam Rules for Students (PDF, 129 KB) before writing your diploma exams.
Materials
Students must bring their own writing materials for all exams, including:
- pens
- HB pencils
- one approved and appropriately configured calculator
To ensure equity and fairness to all students, only calculators that have been approved by Alberta Education may be used when writing diploma exams. Students may use only one calculator (scientific or graphing) with no prohibited properties during a diploma exam. The calculator directives, expectations, criteria, and keystrokes required for clearing approved calculators are in the 2024-25 Calculator Information and Rules for Mathematics and Science Diploma Exams (PDF, 291 KB).
Tear-out pages for rough work are provided in each biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and science exam booklet.