Diploma Writing Information 2023- 2024

Alberta Education Information on Diploma Exams

Dates, weighting, exemplars, rules and more.

Alberta Writing Diploma Exams

Preparing For Exam Day

• Bring 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 used expired documentation as long as it shows your face and your name on the ID.
• Recommended to show up 15-20 min prior to the exam so that you have time to sign into the school and become oriented with where you are writing.
• Talk to you teacher about diploma prep courses.

Completing the Exams

English Language Arts Part A and Social Studies Part A

• School computers or personal computer using the Vretta program (Alberta Education)
• Students use diploma booklets for planning.

Math and Science

• paper and pencil exams ( bring your pencils ) & Calculators
• completing a bubble sheet and using the booklet for planning your answers.

Using Your Own Computer

To use your own computer you must have installed the following on your device.

NO CHROMEBOOKs - if you are going to a school that requires you to bring your laptop, please contact the CLC office so that we can connect with the school you are attending.

Non-RVS School: Please call the school and check they have a computer for your to use.

PC (NO Chromebooks):

Step 1: Safe Exam Browser Download and install.

Step 2: Diploma Config File Download (this is the file you will open on exam day)

MacBook/Air:

Step 1: Safe Exam Browser Download and install.

Step 2: Diploma Config File Download (this is the file you will open on exam day)

Once installed - locate SEB_A_1190.seb

Open the file(double click) and you should see the following screen: 

If you see this screen, your computer is ready to go! If it asks to close programs, say yes.

Rules for Exam Taking

• Be aware, outside of a calculator, NO technology is permitted.  No phones, smart watches, bags etc.  Leave the items at home or in your car.
• Once the diploma has started, all students must stay for a least an hour.  All students have extra time to complete the exam over the allotted time.  For example: 1.5 hours to write the diploma -  student can have up to 3 hours if needed.
• No students are permitted entry to the exam after the first hour. Do not be late!

You will access the Vretta website from the school computer or your computer. It will look like this:

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

Practice Exam Click Here

How do Accommodations Work?

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 choose to decline accommodations based on their abilities, and we respect their decisions.

If you or any parents have further questions or need more information, please feel free to 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.

Not Writing An Exam?

• If you are NOT writing your exam, please email your teacher and cayoung@rockyview.ab.ca stating why, by January 7th.
• If you do NOT show up for the exam, you will be required to pay a writing fee the next time you register.  The fee is paid directly to Alberta Education the school has no ability to override this process.
• you will not receive credit for your course until the Diploma is written.