[Nyororin]

I have 1. I never took 3 or 4 - sat for 2 after figuring I`d probably have trouble with a number of the Kanji on 1 (which was probably true at the time), breezed through it with an almost perfect score... then took 1 the next year. Passed one with 80 something score because I suck at remembering all the readings of kanji and finding the ones that share readings.

I`ve considered taking it again, just to see if I`ve gotten any better in that area... But as it`s pass or fail and the scores aren`t really relevant, it seems a waste of money.

I think it`s great as a personal challenge. It gives you something to work for, and a clear indicator of how well you manage outside of your comfort zone. If you aren`t sure about taking 3, then take 4. It`s definitely better than taking 3 and not passing. Practice tests are occasionally much easier than the real thing. If your score was iffy there, work on perfecting it then head to the next level.