Confirm the requirement first
Ask the university or employer which certificate, level or score is required. IELTS, HSK, TOPIK, JLPT and Goethe are not interchangeable exams.
Understand your starting point
Write down your current level, previous results and weekly study time. Do not choose an exam level from a course title alone; discuss it with a teacher.
Verify dates and registration
Check current dates, fees and documents with the official exam organiser. Enrolling in a preparation course does not register you for the official exam.