Never had a bjj test. Spent 2 years at white and was given blue after class. Spent 3 years at blue and was surprised with purple last oct. The black belts and Master just look at a students posture, balance, technique and how effectively they roll....especially when totally out of gas. There are certain techniques that coincide with the different belt levels but BJJ is about combat effectivness. No in school test can tell you that you are ready for promotion. You are ready when you are ready. If you are invited to a test then that means the instructor thinks that you are ready and is just waiting to formalize it...which is not a bad idea....but what do they charge for it? Personally I paid for my Purple with blood, sweat, tears and many packs of ice.