Even those from Bunka, have to retake a test [ to go to the next level ] to see if we can pass it if we stopped lessons for more than 4 months, does not matter if we hold a certificate from Bunka or any other school, unless it is the JLPT cert itself [ direct entry into certain levels ].
In your case, you shd take the test from as high as possible [ since you want to save time and money ], e.g. to get into Int3, you have to take the test that is set for those who finish Int2, if you don't pass [ min 60% ], take the Int1 test to go to Int2, if not, take Ele2 to go to Int1 and so on.
The evaluation test is FREE [ no matter how many times you take & no, the reception staff will not be irritated no matter how many times you try the test ], but you have to call in to tell them you want to take the test so that they can get the testing room ready.
See this to determine what level is suitable for you to take the test.
bunkalang.com/evaluation.shtml
Bunka number: 6734-1603 / 6737-3601
Try not to call in between late afternoon till evening as sometimes there are many calls or walk-in customers so they may not be able to take your call.
If you want to take a test immediately after you did not pass the previous one, no problem also, just let them know beforehand.
You can also request a sensei to explain to you what mistakes were made immediately after you get your test results on the spot...
