Before you take the comps:

You become eligible to take these examinations after you have (1) finished all coursework, (2) completed the foreign language requirements, and (3) filed the "Advancement to Candidacy" form during the semester before you take the examination.

At least one month before you take your comps, two more things must happen: (4) you file your "Announcement of Examination" form, and (5) your Committee on Studies submits your examination questions for approval by the Graduate Committee. For more on the forms described here, see Five Forms You Must File.