Complete your written examination

Typically, this will occur sometime at the end of your second year of course work, and will be prepared by your committee. The content of the written examination will depend not only on your field of study, but on your particular research interests and academic needs. Think of it as a test particularly tailored to you.
The written examination, sometimes called the prelim, will typically be submitted to the department chair by your major professor, then administered to you toward the end of your second year of classes. When you pass the exam, youll be considered PostPrelim and may begin the process of completing your dissertation.