Since there are no standardized tests, or lists of what to be accomplished at any given point, your progress will be the result of how much attention you are paying to your progress and your level of satisfaction with each step. There are those that "get it" in one and then, there are the rest of us, working continually to fully understand what will give us, each, a good shave. I've been using a straight for 16 months and finally figured out the correct way, for me, to shave my neck. Taking into consideration your personal level of stubbornness (we all have one) will help you decide the rate of progress for yourself.

If it hasn't been mentioned, map the way your facial hair grows. It will help you determine how you shave your face.