The Postsecondary Readiness Indicator is one of six state indicators included in Kentucky’s Accountability System. To demonstrate postsecondary readiness, high school students must earn a high school diploma or be classified as a grade 12 non-graduate AND meet one type of readiness (Academic or Career).  

​Academic Readiness Options 

Academic ready students will meet benchmark scores in one quantitative reasoning or natural sciences category AND one oral/written communication; visual and performing arts; humanities; or social and behavioral sciences category from a variety of options: 

• Meeting or exceeding a college readiness benchmark score on the college admissions examination or a college placement examination as established by the Council on Postsecondary Education; or 

• Completing two KDE-approved dual credit courses and receiving a grade of C or higher in each course; or 

• Completing two Advanced Placement (AP) courses and receiving a score of three (3) or higher on each AP assessment; or 

• Receiving a score of five (5) or higher on two examinations for International Baccalaureate (IB) courses; or  

• Scoring at or above “e” on two (2) Cambridge Advanced International (CAI) examinations; or 

• Completing a combination of academic readiness indicators listed above. 

Career Readiness Options

Career ready students will meet criteria by earning credit through one of the following options: 

• Scoring at or above the benchmark on industry certifications as approved by the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) on an annual basis (with additional credit for credentials in career pathways in KWIB-approved high demand sectors); or 

• Scoring at or above the benchmark on the career and technical education end-of-program (EOP) assessment for articulated credit; or 

• Completing two KDE-approved Career and Technical Education dual credit courses and receiving a grade of C or higher in each course; or 

• Completing a KDE-approved or labor cabinet-approved apprenticeship. For more information on career readiness, visit the Career and Technical Education Career Readiness webpage.