The simplest answer is that to be a Witch or Wizard you declare yourself to be one.  There is no Council of Witches or Fellowship of Wizards who can tell you are or are not a Witch or a Wizard - that would be against what we believe in. We believe in self determination,  each individual decides who and what they are.  Another Wizard or Witch may suggest you are ready, but the decision is yours.  Most people will start of declaring themselves to be an apprentice of the Craft.  They may choose to be an apprentice of a particular Witch or Wizard or a School.  More importantly once an individual declares him or herself to be an apprentice the Magic will start to teach them.  Magic will present them with all the teachers, all the lessons they need.  The Whanganui School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, for example, is only teaching to be aware of these lessons and teachers all around you.  We are not here to teach you, just to prepare you for Life’s lessons.  As always, Magic is but one path, there are many other paths by which Life, or the Universe, can teach you.  As you journey through the Quests that Magic sends you your ability will grow.  You will become more magical.  Your life will become simpler and you will become more helpful to those around you.  In time complete strangers will ask for your help.  When does one actually become a Witch or a Wizard? For most of us it comes after we are consistently involved in Magical events.  Things happen that put a tingle up peoples spines.  People hear of your exploits but don’t believe the stories because they are “impossible”.  Some one you do healing on sees and talks to a guardian angel, you appear in someones dreams as an eagle or a crystal fairy - but they know it is you.  Friends meaningful objects rematerialise in a different city.  You Know things about people.  There comes a point when you realise that you have become a Witch or Wizard.  No longer are you making things happen but the Magic is working through you.  Your ego fades away, your Higher Self shines brightly.  Your Higher Self is your unique contribution to the Universe, special, unique and part of the whole.  You have allowed yourself to become not just an agent of the Greater Good, but part of the Greater Good.  You are part of the Magic.  You are the Magic.