Question about mastery

So I'm a little confused. Should I be testing for mastery of each element at every workout? If I'm unable to master an element and working through the week to week program when is a good time to re test to see if I can move on to the next element? On a rest day perhaps?

You start the program by testing for mastery for each element.  If you can pass it, move on and test for mastery again on your next workout.  If you can't pass it, then start from the first week - the beginning of block 1, 2, or 3 (chosen on "good" you believe you are at that element.)

 

For example, let's take HBP for example.  Workout 1 you passed HBP/PE1: Incline Pushups, next workout you move onto HBP/PE2: Pushups.  You found that you couldn't demonstrate mastery (5x15r), and that you could do probably only do 5x9r, so your first week, you start at the first week of block 2, 4x6r.  Next week you do 4x9r, the week after 5x9r, then 5x5r (deload for every 4th week), then you continue onto the third block.  Where by the time you complete week 11, you'll have demonstrated mastery

At least finish the 4 week cycle you are currently working on If you could not demonstrate mastery straight away. If you feel like you can do it after just a little practise, try it on the first session of the next microcycle.

Don't fall into the trap of shooting unsuccessfully mastery everytime though. Failure after failure takes a toll; better to exercise some patience and get a run-up on it

It's a long journey.  Enjoy some time working on elements you're good at.  Practicing them will still make you stronger and prepare you better for the next element.