Preparation

Prepare to take your next promotion test as soon as possible after you meet the minimum time in rank requirements of your organization and you are able to properly perform the required techniques. Do not wait to be told to test, do not ask to test, and do not let other students discourage you from testing. Do not listen to the advice of anyone other than your instructor unless you personally respect his or her opinion. Being prepared and confident of your abilities is a part of testing requirements. Assume your skills are at the required level unless your instructor tells you differently. Your instructor should be giving you input on your status as the test date approaches.  

Expect to pass the test but accept the fact that sometimes you may not advance. This may hurt your ego, but not your billfold. Most organizations will permit you to continue to test for the same rank until you advance, without paying another testing fee.

Advance as quickly as you can, even if you advance faster than your peers or senior belts in your dojang. The Peter Principle was developed to explain advancement in the business world, but it also applies to Taekwondo advancements. The principle states that people will advance to their highest level of competence, or to their level of incompetence. Some Taekwondo students reach their level of competence and will never be able to advance any higher. Some students reach their level of incompetence, meaning they are promoted until they are at a rank they cannot handle (actually, they should be reduced to the rank at which they are competent, but this never happens). Do not be concerned about surpassing these people; just try to reach your own level of competence.