A built-in, self-test (BIST) network employs a hierarchy of Universal BIST schedulers (UBSs) for scheduling and coordinating testing of elements, such as regular structure BISTed (RSB) elements and random logic BISTed (RLB) elements. Individual UBSs are preferably positioned in local areas, or sections, of an integrated circuit for testing of RSB and RLB elements within the local area. Testing of RSB and RLB elements within the local area allows the BIST network to minimize effects of delay and clock skew by employing relatively short interconnect routing between BISTed elements. Each of the individual UBSs are, in turn, controlled by a master UBS (MUBS) via simplified timing of control signals. The MUBS also may interface with an external testing device that initiates BISTed testing.