How much time should a Brother spend on one Masonic Degree before taking the next, and how does he qualify for advancement?

The Constitutions specify a minimum interval between Degrees of two weeks, although few Lodges if any advance candidates that quickly. In practice, there is great diversity among New York Lodges: Some Lodges advance candidates after a one-month interval, some are on a seasonal schedule with a few months between Degrees, and in some Lodges the candidates spend a year or more in each Degree.

There is similar diversity among New York Lodges with respect to criteria for advancement, with some Lodges accepting minimal proficiency in the Degree catechisms, some calling for full proficiency, and other Lodges having additional requirements such as writing and delivering an essay, observation of the Degree in another Lodge, completion of a reading course, attendance at a certain number of Communications and/or educational sessions, and so on.

Much of the foregoing comes down to tradition, Masonic focus, makeup and overall vitality of each Lodge.