Understanding Performance Acknowledgements
Performance Acknowledgements are special recognitions that appear on your high school transcript and diploma. They show colleges and employers that you went above and beyond in specific areas.
Last Updated: April 2026
What Are Performance Acknowledgements?
Performance Acknowledgements are official recognitions on your transcript and diploma. They highlight outstanding achievement in specific areas: dual credit coursework, bilingualism and biliteracy, industry certifications, and college preparation test performance.
Unlike endorsements (which focus on taking certain courses), acknowledgements recognize what you've achieved through exams and real credentials. You can earn multiple acknowledgements if you meet the requirements for each!
On Your Transcript
Shows up officially on your high school transcript for colleges and employers to see.
College Ready
Proves you're prepared for college-level work and can succeed in challenging courses.
Career Skills
Industry certifications and bilingual skills are highly valued by today's employers.
4 Types of Performance Acknowledgements
Click each tab below to learn about requirements and how to earn that acknowledgement.
Dual Credit Coursework
Take college classes while you're in high school and earn college credits that transfer to universities. This proves you can handle college-level work.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Complete at least 12 hours of college academic courses with 3.0 GPA or higher
- ✓ Courses can include Texas Core Curriculum and advanced technical courses
- ✓ OR earn an associate degree while in high school
Types of Dual Credit Courses
Planning Tip: Meet with your counselor in 9th grade to discuss dual credit eligibility and TSI testing.
Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Being fluent in two or more languages is a huge advantage in college and careers. This acknowledgement recognizes your language skills.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Complete 3+ credits in same language (other than English) with 80+ average
- ✓ AND maintain 80+ average in English Language Arts
- ✓ OR score 3+ on AP language exam, OR score 4+ on IB language exam
- ✓ OR pass national language proficiency test at Intermediate High level
3 Pathways to Earn This
Take 3+ credits in same language (other than English) with 80+ average AND maintain 80+ in English
Score 3+ on AP exam or 4+ on IB exam in language other than English
Pass national assessment at Intermediate High level or equivalent
Industry Certification
Earn a nationally recognized certification in your career field. These credentials are valued by employers and prove you have job-ready skills.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Earn certification on TEA-approved list only
- ✓ Must be nationally or internationally recognized
- ✓ Must include industry exam, skill test, or supervised field experience
- ✓ Many available through CTE programs at school
Popular Certifications
Planning Tip: Ask your CTE teacher what certifications you can earn in your program.
AP & IB Examinations
Score well on Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams to show you can handle college-level coursework. Many colleges give credit for high scores!
How to Earn It
- ✓ Score 3 or higher on AP exam
- ✓ OR score 4 or higher on IB exam
- ✓ Can earn this in multiple subjects
AP Score Distribution
⭐ Score of 3+ earns the acknowledgement
College Prep Tests
Score well on nationally recognized college entrance exams like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT/NMSQT to earn this acknowledgement. These are the tests colleges use to evaluate admission readiness.
How to Earn It
- ✓ Score 1350+ on SAT
- ✓ Score 29+ on ACT
- ✓ Achieve Commended Scholar status on PSAT/NMSQT or College Board National Recognition
Test Score Thresholds
Your 4-Year Planning Guide
Click each grade level to see what you should focus on that year.
What to Do This Year
- → Meet with your counselor to talk about acknowledgements and endorsements
- → Start or continue your language sequence for bilingual acknowledgement
- → Check out CTE pathways that offer industry certifications
- → Build strong study habits to do well on EOC exams
Focus for This Year
- • Build strong study habits
- • Explore career interests
- • Start challenging courses
Strong grades = foundation for all acknowledgements
What to Do This Year
- → Take the TSI test to see if you qualify for dual credit
- → Continue your language (Year 2)
- → Keep progressing in your CTE pathway
- → Take your first PSAT/NMSQT if offered by your school
Focus for This Year
- • Take the TSI test if not already done
- • Look at dual credit options
- • Consider taking your first AP course
Junior year = key year for acknowledgements!
What to Do This Year
- → Start taking dual credit classes toward 12 hours
- → Take the SAT or ACT for college applications
- → Take industry certification exams in your CTE courses
- → Continue language (Year 3)
Focus for This Year
- • Complete 12 hours of dual credit
- • Take AP exams and aim for score 3+
- • Finish any remaining certifications
What to Do This Year
- → Finish your 12 hours of dual credit
- → Complete Year 4 of language with 3.0+ GPA
- → Wrap up any remaining certification exams
- → Double-check all acknowledgements with your counselor
Graduation Checklist
- ☐ Confirm acknowledgements on transcript
- ☐ Request transcripts for colleges
- ☐ Celebrate! You did it! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about Performance Acknowledgements.
Yes! You can earn as many as you qualify for. There's no limit. Each one shows up on your transcript and diploma.
Yes! Colleges see acknowledgements as proof you went beyond basic requirements. They show you're ready for tough classes. Plus, AP and dual credit can give you actual college credit.
No problem! You have more EOC exams coming. Focus on doing your best on those. You can also earn acknowledgements in other ways like dual credit, AP exams, certifications, or bilingual. Talk to your counselor about retake options.
No, they're different. Endorsements = taking a series of courses in one area (like STEM). Acknowledgements = proving you mastered something through tests or credentials. You can earn both!
TEA (Texas Education Agency) keeps an approved list. Your CTE teacher or counselor can tell you which ones your school offers. The certification has to be on that list to count.
Helpful Resources
Tools and links to help you plan your acknowledgement path.
Ready to Build Your Path?
Need help building your candidacy, making informed decisions, or creating a pathway that aligns with your future plans? Schedule time with your school counselor to discuss your goals and map out your personalized strategy.