How can a self-learner reach MS-level CS theory?

Question

How can a self-learner reach MS-level CS theory, and how do you know you got there? What curriculum, sequence and resources take a self-learner to the theoretical foundation of an MS CS graduate, and how to tell when they have got there, from ACM/IEEE CS2023, university degree pages, syllabi and curricula repos, September 2026.

Why it matters

Without a degree, a self-learner needs both a path and a test to trust their depth.

The full research is in the research notes.