Greetings, judges! This is another of my posts that is primarily targeted toward L2s interested in L3.

Recent conversations with some potential L3 candidates suggest that some changes are necessary in the way we handle the L3 Assessment Exam. We have decided that we need more flexibility than is currently allowed by the Judge Center's 3-month cooldown period on that exam.

Effective November 1, L2s will be required to ask any L3+ to create an L3 Assessment Exam for them. When you make such a request, you must include the dates and scores for all L3 Assessment Exams you have previously taken.

I have given detailed instructions to the L3+s about when to generate exams. If you are an L2, your first request for an L3 Assessment Exam will be granted, no questions asked. (If someone refuses your first request, please contact me.) Your second request will be granted as long as you've taken a little time to go over your exam to learn more about the questions you got wrong. Further requests will require longer wait times and more proof of study.

Please note that the L3 Candidacy Prerequisites require that you have passed an L3 Assessment Exam within the last six months. Plan accordingly!

So, TL;DR: You need to ask an L3+ to create an L3 Assessment Exam for you. For your first few attempts, your cooldown will be less than the current 3 months, but for later attempts, that cooldown will be greater.

Thanks, everyone! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Jeff Morrow
L4, Oakland CA, USA
L3 Testing Manager

PS: this post is mirrored on my new blog. Check it out at http://blogs.magicjudges.org/road-to-l3/.