The General Examination marks the passage from pre-doctoral student to candidate status. With the endorsement of the supervisory committee, the examination may be taken after completing a minimum of 60 credits. Students must familiarize themselves with UW Graduate School requirements for the General Examination and must register for at least two credits during the quarter the examination is taken. Before requesting a General Examination with the UW Graduate School, contact Academic Services in the School of Nursing to make sure that your current working supervisory committee members are consistent with the names officially listed with the UW Graduate School. An application for the General Examination is available online. The application needs to be submitted to the Graduate School at least three weeks ahead of the planned day for the examination.

The content and format of the general examination are determined by the supervisory committee in collaboration with the student. Whether or not the GSR is involved in planning is optional. The DNP components of advanced practice, practice inquiry, and leadership should be evident in the examination. Four members of the committee (including the GSR, Chair, and one other Graduate Faculty) must be present to conduct and evaluate the general exam.