Eight examinations are given monthly during the academic year. An examination is provided by each of the five divisions. The examinations are written by Graduate Fellows, and others approved by the division, and are to be read and answered by the students within 120 minutes. The subject material for these examinations will emphasize either course work, the recent literature or a recent seminar topic. The examinations will be proctored by a member of the Graduate Committee.

Students must commence taking Cumulative Examinations no later than the beginning of the third semester of residence, unless specifically excused by the Graduate Committee. Students are permitted to take a "free" Cumulative Examination provided it is taken during the semester of classification; this will be either the April or December Cumulative Examination. All examinations are graded A, B, C, and F. The results will be announced within three weeks of the examination date. Once a student is instructed by the Graduate Committee to start cumulative exams, the student must appear for and attempt each subsequent examination unless explicitly excused in writing by the Graduate Committee. An unexcused absence or a blank exam will be counted as an F.