Exams and Promotions

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Exams

Exams are compulsory for all witches to enter the Institute.

Basic information

Exams are taken by the witches of United Britannia and Hibernia at age fourteen. Exams may be taken more than once, but witches are limited to only three attempts.
The failure rate of Exams is 2-3% after the first attempt and less than 1% after three attempts. Witches that fail to pass Exams after their three attempts are a great embarrassment to their families and have two choices: go live with humans or be considered a Nihil.

Format

Exams consist of two parts: practical and written. The written portion changes every year and is taken apart from the practical. The graduating class takes the written portion together and has a 2.5 hours time limit. The written portion is typically based on magical history, potions, animals, and languages.
The practical portion of the exam is taken individually in front of the Magisterium. The practical portion can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The practical portion is a demonstration of the Examinee's magic.

Grading

The practical portion is worth 70% of a student's score and the written portion is 30%. It is possible to fail the written portion of the Exams and do well on the practical and still pass. However, the reverse would clearly be untrue.

Promotions (Leveling up)

Promotions involve a witch increasing their Level. A witch's Level can be a source of pride or embarrassment. In the past, Levels were sometimes used to determine a person's profession, but now it is mainly used as a point of pride for families.

Basic information

A witch in United Britannia and Hibernia obtain Level Seven when they graduate from the Academy. A witch can progress up to Level One, although that is virtually unheard of.

Witches are not required to increase their Level. Promotions can be taken at any time, but usually, there are at least six months in between Promotions.
There are general guidelines published by the Magisterium on what will be included in the Promotion examination, but a significant portion of the examination is a mystery. (Those examined are barred from discussing this portion.)

Format

Those seeking a Promotion are examined by the Magisterium and has a practical portion only. The examination for Promotion usually takes about 2 hours.

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