The General Examination marks the passage from pre-doctoral student to candidate status (Ph.C). It is completed within one to two quarters after coursework is completed and includes a written and an oral portion. 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, check with Academic Services in the School of Nursing to assure that your current working supervisory committee members are consistent with the names officially listed with the UW Graduate School.

The supervisory committee (all members) plan, conduct, and evaluate the exam. Questions and procedural rules for the examination are decided by the supervisory committee in consultation with the student. The examination tests knowledge in nursing science, the related field, and inquiry: design and methods. An application for the General Examination is available online or at the Graduate School (G1 Communications). It is used to notify the Graduate School of the date, time, and place of the oral examination at least three weeks ahead of the examination.

Once the student passes the General Examination, the student becomes a candidate for the degree. A certificate of candidacy (right to use Ph.C after one's name) is sent to the student. While use of the initials Ph.C is sanctioned by the UW Graduate School following the student's passing of the general examination, students should be aware that this term is not acceptable as a designation of degree and may or may not be accepted for use in publications.