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Most schools that have an Industrial Arts or Technology Education program have classes where there should be safety exams in place. When you approach your administration, definitely present to them your plans for having both written and practical exams. Anything you do to show that your students are proficient with any piece of powered equipment should work for your administration.

Also consider where your focus needs to be when you plan the exams. I am required to give a safety exam for each individual machine or tool a student will use in my classroom. This includes everything from the table saw, drill press, band saw, and sanders down to soldering irons, x-acto knives, and other hand tools. It can be a little tedious, but it protects you and the school if something were to happen.