most rct's can be taken before a student takes the corresponding regents exam. the rct's are available for students until they graduate or when they turn 21. if the student still cannot pass all of the rct exams, an individualized education program diploma (iep diploma) is awarded instead. the iep diploma is not the equivalent to a high school diploma, and rather is a certificate given to students who complete the twelfth grade but do not pass the standards based testing. the iep diploma is intended only for students with severe cognitive disabilities.