Some first and second fields require a qualifying procedure. It may include both a written and oral component, depending on the field and your examination committee.
Exam Timeline
Students typically take their qualifying exam in the spring semester of the second year or the fall semester of the third year.
Process When Qualifying Procedure is Failed
If you fail in your first attempt at the qualifying procedure, the qualifying examination committee may vote to give you a second opportunity to take the exam. The timing for retaking the exam will be at the discretion of the major fields, but must be consistent with a final deadline of June 30th of the third year of your graduate study. Failing the procedure a second time may result in being separated from the program.