Who decides when a candidate may advance from EA to Fellow Craft?

• A. The grand master.
• B. The secretary.
• C. The lodge's officers, after assessing knowledge, conduct, and readiness.
• D. The treasurer.

Answer: (C)

The lodge’s officers decide when a candidate advances from Entered Apprentice to Fellow Craft, after evaluating whether the candidate has demonstrated the necessary knowledge, conduct, and readiness to move forward. The Worshipful Master, along with the other officers, reviews the candidate’s progress, ensures the required examinations and demonstrations have been completed, and typically leads a vote by the lodge on advancement. The Grand Master provides overarching leadership at the state level, not the specific decision for an individual lodge candidate, and the secretary or treasurer deal with records and finances rather than degree progression.