A cumulative exam is an exam that tests you on all the substance since the beginning of the semester. ... A comprehensive exam is a test intended for you to demonstrate your competency and guarantee that you are set up to move to the following level of the degree.

Is a comprehensive exam cumulative?

Comprehensive exams are focused on ensuring that a student is competent to begin their dissertation, and that they are familiar with the necessary research methods. Cumulative exams, however, test our knowledge based on what was taught in class throughout the year, with more of a focus on academic performance.

What does it mean when a test is comprehensive?

A comprehensive exam is an evaluation that measures a student's competency and mastery of concepts in the field of an academic discipline. Passing a comprehensive exam, which may be in written, verbal, or some other format, indicates that a student is prepared to move into the dissertation phase of the degree.