answer:There are no tests so don’t let that worry you overmuch. The twelve steps are part of various programs altho they got their start in AA groups. They are also used in Al Anon for family and SO of alcoholics or addicts which is where I encountered them. Each person goes through them at whatever pace they find comfortable for themselves, normally under the guidance of a sponsor ( who acts as a mentor and someone with whom you can share with confidentiality assumed.) There isn’t a set pace or any criteria to pass. People doing this are self motivated so there isn’t a hierarchy imposing a structure or anything. People are doing this for the sake of their own health. There isn’t any arm twisting or coercion of any type. My basic take away from both my experience and others is that the process of going through these steps promotes the type of radical self honesty which is an integral part of personal growth. Because there is so much denial involved in the entire addiction process and lifestyle, this type of self honesty and accountability is crucial to preventing relapse. Or, in the case of family members, insurance against falling back into co dependent patterns and enabling behaviors. It’s difficult to have long lasting behavior change without personal insight. That’s what the steps are designed for. In choosing a sponsor, the best advice is to find someone who has logged in enough years in the program to accrue stability in their own life and respect from others. I tried to find those with the longest track record in the program. That’s just my preference. This will be the primary mentor giving you feedback so it’s crucial you find someone who knows what they’re talking about from experience as well as just someone with whom you have a rapport and feel compatible with. As a matter of fact, I would place compatibility second to respect and experience. Anyhow, that’s just my take on it. Others may have different experiences or viewpoints. It’s also very helpful, apart from the program, to get input from a therapist to get an objective viewpoint and feedback as well. Some groups can tend to be rather insular. If you’d like to know more detail about how the steps were developed, there are biographies of Bill W. the founder of AA in which there is a lot more info on the how and why of the development of the steps. It may even be available for free online.