Intended for use by school administrators, guidance counselors, teachers and proctors, this manual contains general information on the New York State Regents examinations and competency tests, as well as specific regulations and procedures for ordering, administering, and rating these examinations. The competency testing requirements for a local diploma, the Regents endorsement of a local diploma, and the granting of credit for Regents courses are also explained. Special procedures for handicapped pupils and pupils whose native language is not English are described. Regents examinations are achievement tests based on 19 State courses in business, English, foreign languages, mathematics, science and social-studies for grades 9-12. Regency competency tests are achievement tests in the basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Passing scores on either the Regents examinations in English and mathematics or the competency tests satisfies the competency testing requirement for a high school diploma. Appendices contain: (1) SAT and ACT scores acceptable for meeting local high school diploma competency requirements; (2) College Board Achievement Test Scores acceptable for meeting Regents diploma requirements; (3) samples of English as a second language tests and recommended minimum scores; and (4) alternative testing techniques based upon learner characteristics. (BS)