Alberta makes November diploma exams optional amid teacher strike disruptions
Posted Oct 17, 2025 2:34 pm.
Last Updated Oct 17, 2025 2:40 pm.
In response to ongoing disruptions caused by the province-wide teacher strike, the Government of Alberta has announced that November 2025 diploma exams will be optional for all high school students.
The decision announced Friday comes as instructional time in schools has been significantly impacted by the ongoing strike.
Under the new directive, students who wish to write their diploma exams in November may do so by submitting a request to their school board, which is required to accommodate the request.
The exams will still be held on their originally scheduled dates, but students who opt out will not be penalized. Their final course grades will be determined solely by the school-awarded mark provided by their teacher.
The province says skipping the November diploma exams will not affect students’ ability to graduate or apply to post-secondary institutions. Students can still complete their courses and graduate on time, with no impact on university or college admissions.
The change applies to all schools across Alberta. However, the government confirmed that no adjustments have been made to the January and June diploma exams or provincial achievement tests.
The province asked teachers to return to school on Monday to move to “enhanced mediation.” The union rejected the proposal, calling it ‘biased’ and accusing the province of bullying teachers back to class.
