eSET Wardrobe Technician

The eSET Wardrobe Technician Exam consists of two parts, the Online Exam and the Practical 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. Take and pass the Basic Terms & Safety Exam, completion of this is required for all eSET exams.
  3. Choose the Wardrobe Technician Exam from the menu on the testing portal.
  4. Successfully complete the exam in the 40 minute allotted time period.

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
  • Wardrobe Terms and Techniques
  • Basic Construction Terms and Techniques
  • Knowledge of Hardware, Tools, & Safety
  • Click here for a list of sample questions

REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE EXAM NOW

When an online exam has been successfully completed, you will receive a certificate via email.  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 is given at various times throughout the year including the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

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

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 Equipment and Safety Equipment 

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 Wardrobe Technician 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