eSET Costuming

eSET Level 2 - Costuming Exam

The Online Exam (with its prerequisite Basic Terms & Safety Exam) may be taken at any time. To do so follow these steps:

  1. Register in the online testing portal. (remember the user name and password you create).
  2. Click on "Innova Online Learning" located on the usitt site menu (you must be logged in).
  3. Navigate to your classroom and select the chosen exam.
  4. Successfully complete the exam in the 40 minute allotted time period,

There will be 3 attempts available for you to take the exam. Once you have made the 3 attempts and/or passed the exam, there will be no attempts remaining. Therefore if the first attempt is unsuccessful, we suggest referring to resources in the chosen topics to brush up on reading before repeating the exam. 

What is covered on the online exam? The online exam is a set of 100 questions randomly chosen by the system from a larger pool. The questions are multiple-choice and true/false questions covering topics such as:

  • Name the Equipment or Stitches Illustrated
  • Costume Shop/ Studio Terminology
  • Identify Common Historical Garments and Accessories
  • Knowledge of Costume Plots
  • Basic Construction Terms and Techniques
  • Knowledge of Hardware, Tools, & Safety

When an online exam has been successfully completed, you will receive a certificate in your classroom. Please contact us at info@usitt.org if you cannot find a certificate. This email and certificate are your admission to the practical exam.  Do not register for the practical exam until you have this certificate.

The Practical Exam will be given at various times throughout the year including the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo. It shall be proctored by third party companies.

ALL PRACTICAL EXAMS HAVE BEEN PLACED ON AN INDEFINITE HIATUS WHILE WE REEXAMINE THE SCOPE OF THEIR CONTENT.

What is covered on the practical exam?

The Practical Exam is offered at various times throughout the year, consult the website to find a practical exam being offered near you. Once you have identified one, to register follow these steps:

  1. Choose a time on the Practical Registration Website
  2. Arrive at the registration site 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time WITH YOUR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FOR THE ONLINE COSTUMING EXAM
  3. Successfully complete the exam in the 60 minute allotted time period.

What is covered on the practical exam? The practical exam is supervised by an authorized proctor. The proctor will follow the rubric sheet and guide you through the stations. 

  • Stitching
  • Utilize Dresser Track Notes to Organize Costumes and Quick Changes
  • Basic Construction

Successful completion of the practical exam is the highest level of eSET skills proof. To show your completion you will be mailed a second certificate noting both online and practical completion and a pin which you should wear as proof of your skill set.

The Online and Practical Costuming Exams were created by a group of working professionals from a variety of Costuming organizations. The group includes costumers from IATSE and various professional theatres around the nation.

The skills working group consists of:

  • Susan Davis
  • William Henshaw
  • Nancy Julian
  • Jeffery Lieder
  • Laura Love
  • Heather Milam, Chair
  • Delia Mulholland
  • Sylvia Pannell