The Utah Basic Skills Competency Test aims to ensure students leave high school with a set of basic skills in writing, reading and math.

The test is part of the Utah Performance Assessment System for Students, a series of state and national tests aimed at holding schools accountable for student achievement.

Incoming seniors are the first class required to pass all three test sections to receive a basic high school diploma.

Students have up to five times, beginning in the spring of their sophomore year, to take and retake the exam until they pass. Once a test section is passed, it does not have to be retaken.

Students attempting, but not passing, test sections at least three times may receive an alternative completion diploma.

Students not passing or attempting three times may receive a certificate of completion at commencement.