Magical Tests and Dictionaries

While working on a story idea, I conjectured that learning Unicorn spells might be similar in complexity to learning a pictographic language. I looked up various official Chinese language tests and dictionaries, and transposed the names from Chinese to Magic. That lead to the following list:

Official Test of Modern Magical Symbols (OTMMS) an official Equestrian standardized test for assessing Unicorn magical knowledge. Pre-tests are given a few years before graduation, and the full test is given in a Unicorn's graduation year.

Knowledge of 1,000 symbols is required to pass the OTMMS at minimum prophecy. This is the level needed for a Unicorn to graduate from a standard Equestrian Public School with a certification in magic. Background Unicorn’s with no special training like Sea Swirl and Amethyst Star likely have this level of knowledge.

Knowledge of 2,600 symbols is required to pass the OTMMS at the highest level. This is the level needed to graduate from the Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns (SGU) with full honors in magic. Unicorns who went to the SGU like Lyra, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine likely have this level of knowledge.

Some dictionaries of magical symbols include:

3,500 symbols in the Chart of Common Modern Magical Symbols. A common reference work that is available in most well equipped Equestrian schools and libraries. The Ponyville School has copies. It includes everything in the OTMMS.

7,000 symbols in the Generally Utilized Symbols of Modern Magic. An uncommon reference work that is available in speciality schools and institutions. The SGU has copies, as did the Golden Oaks Library. Before the library tree was blown up, Twilight kept her copy on her bedside table so she could read it before going to sleep. Trixie likely knows some illusion related symbols that are in this book, but not in the smaller dictionary.

54,678 symbols in the Great Compendium of Magic Symbols. An uncommon reference work that is only available in special situations. The Restricted Section of the Royal Archives has a copy. Twilight has one as well, a gift from Princess Celestia when she declared Twilight was 'no longer her student'. Twilight and Sunset likely know some symbols that are in this book, but not in the smaller dictionaries, because of their training as personal students of Princess Celestia.

106,230 symbols in the Dictionary of Magical Variant Forms. For many Unicorns this book is just an old mare’s tale. The actual multi-volume tome is only available from Celestia or Luna's own collection. Twilight will be amazed when she finally figures out it is real. Star Swirl the Bearded likely know a few symbols that are only in this book. Celestia and Luna likely know know a lot of symbols that are in this book, but not in the smaller dictionaries.