I have been repeatedly asked by American archers about minimum training times between rank tests. While I have not seen an official ANKF document on this subject, I have personally asked test judges about minimum training times and I believe the following information to be highly accurate:
5th kyu to shodan, no training period is required. Someone passing 1st kyu can take a shodan test the next day if they want.
Shodan to 8th dan, all dan tests require a minimum of 5 months training after successfully passing one rank before the next rank can be attempted. (Note: on the Japanese test application form it says "above 6th dan the minimum waiting time is 1 year" implying that the training time between dan ranks is increased after 6th dan.)
Renshi candidates must have 5th dan and then must train at least one year from the day they passed godan before attempting the renshi test.
Kyoshi candidates must train for one year from the date they obtained the renshi title before they can attempt the kyoshi test. Technically a renshi godan can attempt a kyoshi test but currently the typical path is for the candidate to attempt the 6th dan test before trying the kyoshi test.
8th dan test, if the candidate passes the first portion and fails the second portion the candidate will have a one year period where the second test itself can be attempted again (the first portion does not have to be repeated during this one year period.) Note that this rule does not apply to those attempting the 7th dan test.
E.Clay Buchanan
Shiseikan Kyudo Dojo
San Jose, California
USA