A qualifying exam which is based on material contained in Stat 511-515 is given after the completion of your first year. May. For those who do not receive a pass on the May exam, there will be another test given in December or January.
Students have three chances to pass it.
All other students, including those entering with a Master's degree in another field, will be required to take the first year exam. Old qualifying exams are on file in the department office, and they are extremely helpful as a studying aid.