But Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, says he questioned high-stakes testing after he took the UBSCT last month.

"I'm not doubting, and I'm not arguing, I'm just questioning," Ferrin said. "That single exam can certainly prevent (a) student from graduating with a (basic) diploma. I'm just wondering out loud how valid that test is and making that particular judgment on a student."

School bosses are imagining other scary scenarios.

Let's say you move to Utah your senior year, right before schools give the final UBSCT.

You pass reading and writing but fail math.

Under a strict interpretation of the law, you're going to get a certificate of completion.

But that's "too unrealistic, too punitive," said Carol Lear, lawyer and coordinator of government and legislative relations for the State Office of Education. You tried the test as many times as possible; that ought to make you eligible for an alternative completion diploma, she says.

Maybe you moved here just before the final test, but you didn't show up on test day. Now, Lear believes you'll probably get a certificate of completion because you made no attempt to pass the test.

What if you didn't hear about it? What if you were really sick? What if your grandpa died that day?

The point is, the law doesn't include exceptions for people like you. So what would happen to you is not clear.

"Lawsuits that have been successful in other states focused on opportunities, numbers of chances students had to take the test, and notice to parents," Lear said. "I think you set yourself up for a lawsuit if you're that absolute."

The Attorney General's Office thinks the state school board can offer some leeway.

Say you moved here in March of your senior year, a month after the UBSCT was given for the last time.

If you've already passed a test like the UBSCT in another state, you might still get a basic diploma if that other test is comparable to Utah's.

Or, the state might make up a sort of alternative UBSCT test so you can prove you have basic skills.

Assistant Attorney General John S. McAllister, in a letter answering Lear's questions, said that "would satisfy the Legislature's intent to require accountability for student achievement as well as allow for fairness for students whose families may relocate to Utah unexpectedly."

Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clearfield, is requesting a bill to let some people off UBSCT's hook. They would be adults taking the General Educational Development (GED) test, students passing a comparable test in another state, or out-of-staters without at least two chances to take the exam. Those people could just get the basic diploma.