Algebra 1 Regents Exam 2026: Complete Guide, Dates & Prep Tips
Everything You Need to Master the NY State Algebra 1 Regents | Exam Dates, Format, Scoring & Expert Preparation Strategies
NEXT EXAM DATE
January 21, 2026
TOTAL QUESTIONS
37 Questions
EXAM DURATION
3 Hours
PASSING SCORE
65/100
What is the Algebra 1 Regents Exam?
The Algebra 1 Regents Examination is a standardized test administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) that measures student mastery of the Common Core Algebra 1 curriculum. It is one of the required Regents exams for high school graduation in New York State and serves as both a course assessment and a graduation requirement.
🎯 Key Facts About Algebra 1 Regents
- Purpose: Graduation requirement and course proficiency assessment for NY State students
- Administered by: New York State Education Department (NYSED)
- Offered: Three times per year (January, June, August)
- Duration: 3 hours (students may not leave before Uniform Admission Deadline)
- Calculator: Graphing calculator required for entire exam
- Passing score: 65 out of 100 (scaled score)
- Who takes it: Typically 9th or 10th grade students who have completed Algebra 1 coursework
📊 Why the Algebra 1 Regents Matters
Graduation Requirement: Students need to pass at least three Regents exams to graduate with a Regents diploma in New York, and Algebra 1 is typically one of them.
College Readiness: Performance on Regents exams demonstrates college readiness and can impact college admissions decisions for NY State schools.
Advanced Placement: Strong performance may allow students to move into advanced math courses like Geometry, Algebra 2, or even Pre-Calculus earlier.
2026 Algebra 1 Regents Exam Dates
The Algebra 1 Regents exam is offered three times per year to accommodate different student schedules and retake opportunities. Below are the official 2026 exam dates from NYSED:
January 2026 Administration
Tuesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM (Noon) / Afternoon Session
Uniform Admission Deadline: 2:00 PM
Best for: Students retaking the exam or those who completed Algebra 1 in the fall semester
June 2026 Administration
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 ⭐ MOST COMMON
Time: 9:15 AM / Morning Session
Uniform Admission Deadline: 10:00 AM
Best for: Most students taking Algebra 1 during the regular school year (first-time test takers)
August 2026 Administration
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM / Morning Session
Uniform Admission Deadline: 9:15 AM
Best for: Students retaking the exam or those who took summer school Algebra 1
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Verify with your school the exact reporting time and location for your exam
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for check-in and setup
- Bring required materials: approved graphing calculator, pencils, pen, and student ID
- No early departure: You cannot leave before the Uniform Admission Deadline even if you finish early
Algebra 1 Regents Exam Format & Structure
The Algebra 1 Regents consists of 37 questions worth 86 total points. The exam is divided into four parts with varying question types and point values:
📋 Exam Structure Breakdown
| Part | Questions | Question Type | Points Each | Total Points | Partial Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | 24 (#1-24) | Multiple Choice | 2 | 48 | ❌ No |
| Part II | 8 (#25-32) | Short Constructed Response | 2 | 16 | ✅ Yes |
| Part III | 4 (#33-36) | Medium Constructed Response | 4 | 16 | ✅ Yes |
| Part IV | 1 (#37) | Long Constructed Response | 6 | 6 | ✅ Yes |
| TOTAL | 37 Questions | — | 86 Points | — | |
📝 Part I: Multiple Choice (24 Questions)
Format: Four answer choices (1, 2, 3, 4) for each question
Scoring: 2 points for correct answer, 0 points for incorrect (no partial credit)
Strategy: Show work in margins for your own reference, but only the selected answer is scored. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
✍️ Parts II-IV: Constructed Response (13 Questions)
Format: Write out complete solutions with all work shown
Requirements: Must include appropriate formula substitutions, calculations, diagrams, graphs, and explanations
Partial Credit: You can earn points even with wrong final answers if your method is correct
Strategy: Show EVERY step clearly. Write formulas first, then substitute values. Label answers and graphs.
🧰 Materials Provided & Required
✅ Provided:
- High School Math Reference Sheet (formulas)
- One sheet of scrap graph paper
- Test booklet (use blank spaces for work)
📦 Required (Bring):
- Graphing calculator (TI-84, TI-83, etc.)
- Straightedge/ruler
- #2 pencils for answer sheet
- Pen for constructed responses (optional)
Scoring & Grading Scale
Algebra 1 Regents scores are scaled from 0-100. Your raw score (out of 86 points) is converted using an official conversion chart released with each exam. Passing requires a scaled score of 65 or higher.
🧮 Calculate Your Algebra 1 Regents Score
Use our free Algebra 1 Regents Score Calculator to estimate your scaled score based on your raw score
Algebra 1 Regents Score Calculator →📊 Performance Levels
Level 5: Mastery with Distinction
Exceeds the standards and demonstrates comprehensive understanding
Level 4: Mastery
Meets the standards and demonstrates proficiency
Level 3: Proficient (Passing)
Meets graduation requirement and demonstrates basic competency
Level 1-2: Below Proficient (Not Passing)
Does not meet graduation requirement; retake required
📈 Approximate Raw Score to Scaled Score
While exact conversions vary by exam, here's a general guide (based on typical curve):
- 65 (Passing): Approximately 27-30 raw points out of 86
- 80 (Mastery): Approximately 50-55 raw points out of 86
- 90 (Distinction): Approximately 65-70 raw points out of 86
- 100 (Perfect): Typically requires 80+ raw points (not all 86 needed)
💡 Note: Use the official conversion chart for your specific exam. Different administrations have slightly different curves.
Key Topics Covered on Algebra 1 Regents
The Algebra 1 Regents exam tests the Common Core Algebra 1 standards. Here are the major content areas you need to master:
1️⃣ Expressions & Equations
- Simplifying algebraic expressions
- Solving linear equations: \(3x + 5 = 17\)
- Solving literal equations for a variable
- Writing and solving inequalities
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
2️⃣ Linear Functions & Relationships
- Slope-intercept form: \(y = mx + b\)
- Point-slope form and standard form
- Graphing linear equations and inequalities
- Finding slope from points, graphs, tables, equations
- Writing equations of lines (parallel, perpendicular)
- Domain and range concepts
3️⃣ Systems of Equations
- Solving systems graphically
- Solving systems algebraically (substitution, elimination)
- Word problems with two variables
- Identifying number of solutions (one, none, infinite)
4️⃣ Exponential Functions
- Exponential growth and decay: \(y = a \cdot b^x\)
- Graphing exponential functions
- Comparing linear vs. exponential growth
- Compound interest problems
- Exponential equations
5️⃣ Quadratic Functions
- Graphing parabolas: \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\)
- Vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts
- Solving quadratic equations (factoring, quadratic formula)
- Quadratic formula: \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\)
- Completing the square
- Word problems with quadratics
6️⃣ Polynomials & Factoring
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying polynomials
- Factoring (GCF, difference of squares, trinomials)
- Factoring completely
- Simplifying rational expressions
7️⃣ Statistics & Data Analysis
- Mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation
- Box plots and histograms
- Scatter plots and lines of best fit
- Correlation and causation
- Two-way frequency tables
8️⃣ Sequences & Functions
- Arithmetic sequences: \(a_n = a_1 + (n-1)d\)
- Geometric sequences: \(a_n = a_1 \cdot r^{n-1}\)
- Recursive vs. explicit formulas
- Function notation and evaluation
Algebra 1 Regents Preparation Strategies
Effective preparation is key to success on the Algebra 1 Regents. Follow these expert strategies to maximize your score:
Start Early & Create a Study Schedule
Begin preparing at least 4-6 weeks before the exam. Create a study calendar covering all 8 major topic areas. Dedicate more time to your weakest areas. Consistent daily practice (30-60 minutes) is more effective than cramming.
Practice with Past Regents Exams
Complete at least 5-8 full-length past exams under timed conditions (3 hours). The NYSED website provides free past exams with answer keys. Analyze your mistakes thoroughly and redo questions you got wrong until you understand them.
Master Your Graphing Calculator
Practice using your TI-84 or approved graphing calculator for graphing, solving equations, finding intersections, and analyzing data. Know how to: graph functions, use CALC menu, create tables, find zeros/minimums/maximums, and perform regressions. Speed matters!
Show All Work on Constructed Responses
For Parts II-IV, showing work is non-negotiable. Write formulas first, then substitute values. Label graphs with axes, scale, and key points. Write brief explanations when asked. Even if your final answer is wrong, you can earn significant partial credit with correct methodology.
Create Formula & Concept Sheets
Make condensed study sheets with key formulas, graphs, and problem-solving strategies. Include: quadratic formula, slope formulas, exponential/linear patterns, factoring methods, and common mistakes to avoid. Review these sheets daily in the week before the exam.
Work on Time Management
Allocate roughly 60 minutes for Part I, 40 minutes for Part II, 50 minutes for Part III, and 30 minutes for Part IV. Leave time for review. Skip difficult questions and return to them later. Don't get stuck on one problem – keep moving to maximize your score.
📚 Recommended Study Resources
- NYSED Official Regents Archive: Free past exams with answer keys and rubrics
- Jmap.org: Practice questions organized by topic with solutions
- Khan Academy: Video lessons for all Algebra 1 topics
- Your Textbook & Class Notes: Review homework problems and quizzes
- NUM8ERS Algebra 1 Tutoring: Personalized exam prep with expert instructors
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Frequently Asked Questions
❓ When is the Algebra 1 Regents exam in 2026?
The Algebra 1 Regents exam is offered three times in 2026: January 21, 2026 (12:00 PM), June 17, 2026 (9:15 AM), and August 18, 2026 (8:30 AM). Most students take it in June at the end of their Algebra 1 course. Check with your school for the exact reporting time as schools may have slightly different schedules. Students must arrive before the Uniform Admission Deadline (typically 10:00 AM for morning exams, 2:00 PM for afternoon exams).
❓ How many questions are on the Algebra 1 Regents?
The Algebra 1 Regents exam has 37 questions total worth 86 points. The breakdown is: Part I has 24 multiple-choice questions (2 points each = 48 points), Part II has 8 short constructed-response questions (2 points each = 16 points), Part III has 4 medium constructed-response questions (4 points each = 16 points), and Part IV has 1 long constructed-response question (6 points). Students have 3 hours to complete the entire exam and may use a graphing calculator throughout.
❓ What score do you need to pass the Algebra 1 Regents?
To pass the Algebra 1 Regents exam, you need a scaled score of 65 or higher (out of 100). The scoring levels are: 0-64 = Not Passing, 65-79 = Proficient (Passing), 80-89 = Mastery, and 90-100 = Mastery with Distinction. The raw score needed for a 65 varies by exam due to the conversion curve, but typically requires approximately 27-30 raw points out of 86. Use our Algebra 1 Regents Score Calculator to estimate your scaled score based on your raw score.
❓ Can you use a calculator on Algebra 1 Regents?
Yes, a graphing calculator is required for the entire Algebra 1 Regents exam. Students must have exclusive use of a graphing calculator for the full 3-hour duration. Approved calculators include TI-84, TI-83, TI-Nspire (non-CAS), and similar models. Scientific calculators (non-graphing) are NOT sufficient and will not be adequate for the exam. Calculator use is expected for graphing functions, solving equations, analyzing data, and performing calculations. Make sure your calculator has fresh batteries and you know how to use all its functions before the exam.
❓ How long is the Algebra 1 Regents exam?
The Algebra 1 Regents exam is 3 hours (180 minutes) long. While most students complete the exam in less than 3 hours, you are allowed the full time and should use it wisely. You are not permitted to leave before the Uniform Admission Deadline even if you finish early. It's recommended to allocate approximately: 60 minutes for Part I (multiple choice), 40 minutes for Part II, 50 minutes for Part III, 30 minutes for Part IV, and reserve time at the end to review your answers and check your work.
❓ What topics are covered on the Algebra 1 Regents?
The Algebra 1 Regents covers 8 main topic areas based on Common Core standards: (1) Expressions & Equations (solving linear equations, inequalities), (2) Linear Functions (graphing, slope, writing equations), (3) Systems of Equations (solving graphically and algebraically), (4) Exponential Functions (growth/decay, graphing), (5) Quadratic Functions (parabolas, quadratic formula, factoring), (6) Polynomials & Factoring (operations, factoring techniques), (7) Statistics & Data Analysis (measures of center, scatter plots, correlation), and (8) Sequences & Functions (arithmetic, geometric, function notation).
❓ Can you retake the Algebra 1 Regents if you fail?
Yes, you can retake the Algebra 1 Regents as many times as needed to achieve a passing score. The exam is offered three times per year (January, June, August), providing multiple opportunities. If you don't pass in June, you can retake it in August of the same year or in any future administration. Your highest score is the one that counts toward your graduation requirement. Many students improve significantly on their second attempt after targeted preparation. There's no penalty for retaking the exam, and colleges typically only see your final passing score.
❓ Where can I find past Algebra 1 Regents exams to practice?
Past Algebra 1 Regents exams are available for free on the official NYSED (New York State Education Department) website. Go to the NYSED State Assessment page and look for "Regents Examinations" or "Archive of Past Exams." Each exam includes the test, answer key, and scoring rubric. Additional practice resources include Jmap.org (questions organized by topic), Khan Academy (video lessons), and various Regents prep books. Practicing with actual past exams is crucial because it familiarizes you with the question format, difficulty level, and time constraints you'll face on test day.
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