When a man or woman enters the White Tower in the hopes of some day becoming an Aes Sedai, he or she starts at the rank of Novice. Given a plain white dress, or a white coat and breeches, Novices are expected to obey the every word of Accepted and Aes Sedai. Their days are kept busy with classes and chores, and the strict rules governing their behaviour are relaxed only on special occasions, such as festivals.

When a Novice is deemed ready, he or she will be called by the Mistress of Novices to a special chamber, containing a three-arched ter'angreal dating back to the Age of Legends. The Novice will be required to pass through the ter'angreal three times, and each time will be confronted with his or her greatest fear - once for what was, once for what is, and once for what will be. If a Novice passes the test, he or she will be raised to the rank of Accepted.

Accepted is the second rank in becoming Aes Sedai of the White Tower. When the Mistress of Novices feels that a Novice has progressed sufficiently far in their training, they will be summoned to take the test to become an Accepted. They must pass through three arches, each exploring their deepest fears - one for the past, one for the present, and one for the future. They may refuse the test twice, but if they refuse a third time or turn back once the test had begun, he or she will be put out of the White Tower. If they choose to proceed, however, and pass, they are named Accepted.

After successfully emerging from the three-arched ter'angreal, Accepted are given a Great Serpent ring to signify their rank, which they must wear at all times on the third finger of the left hand. With seven bands of colour adorning the hem of their dresses or breeches, Accepted are given far greater freedom than Novices, though they are still kept under the control of the Aes Sedai. Accepted may choose their own studies and may even venture into the Tar Valon, though they are not expected to have very much free time. Along with their One Power and elective studies, Accepted may also begin to explore the various Ajahs in greater detail, often meeting regularly with an Aes Sedai of their preferred Ajah(s).

As well as all this, Accepted must begin to learn the one hundred weaves required for their test to become Aes Sedai. When the Mistress of Novices feels that they are ready, they will be summoned to an oval ter'angreal, where they will be required to perform each weave in order, and while maintaining perfect calm. If they succeed, the Accepted will be required to spend the night in contemplation of what it means to become Aes Sedai. The next morning, they will be escorted back to the room containing the ter'angreal, where they will choose their Ajah and swear the Three Oaths, though no longer on the Oath Rod.

- Are not to leave the Tower
- Must be in their rooms between sunset and sunrise
- Are not to have men in their rooms
- May be given a single or a double room
- Are to attend lessons regularly
- Are to complete any chores or punishments set for them
- Must obey Accepted and Aes Sedai
- Must show proper respect to Accepted and Aes Sedai; this means curtseying and using the honorific 'Accepted' or 'Sedai'
- May not channel without the permission of Accepted or Aes Sedai
- May not be in a romantic relationship

- Are not to leave the Tower without permission
- Must be in their rooms between sunset and sunrise, unless participating in a sanctioned activity (such as studying in the library)
- Are not to have men in their rooms
- Are given a larger, single room
- Are to teach and attend lessons regularly
- Must obey Aes Sedai
- Must show proper respect to Aes Sedai
- May not be in a romantic relationship