The exam is composed of two parts. Part I comprises ten elementary level questions to be answered in two hours and counts one third of the total score. The topics are mechanics, thermodynamics, kinetic theory, waves, electromagnetism, electrical circuits, light and optics, and elementary modern physics. Part II comprises a choice of 10 out of 15 questions on intermediate and advanced undergraduate material to be answered in four hours. Students are encouraged to consult their advisors as to how best to prepare for the exam.
Previous exams are available for study.
Outside reading, auditing of UW-Madison courses, and group problem solving sessions are typical strategies for students requiring additional preparation. Students with special requirements must consult with the graduate secretary at least two weeks prior to the exam date. The qualifying exam is administered by a rotating faculty committee that solicits problems on specific topics from the faculty. The committee members work, edit, and select the exam problems, and are available during the exam to address any questions. Problems are usually graded by the originators on a scale of one to ten with six as the nominal passing score.