It's not real. Anywhere you have to take tests to go to heaven it's not real. Sorry catholics. However, :TeamGod: 
Not to get all Birther Pit here, but I have no idea what this means.
Mainly ignorance. In high school all my friends we're catholic and met on Wednesday nights together. I always remember them studying for some big test they had to take at the end of whatever it was they called their get togethers (which was about catholicism). That was my impression, that and they all had a lot of sex before marriage when they were not suppose to. 
Are you talking about Confirmation?
Sure. Again guys I can't stress enough the ignorance I have when it comes to the practices of catholicism. Just reporting my experiences from some fellow catholic friends. 
Yes there is some studying, as in most religions. We had to do 100 hours of community service when I received mine. To me, it is the equivalent to some other Christian faiths where people are "saved." They call it their baptism, Catholics do baptism really early on in life to save the baby from original sin should it die. Confirmation is just one of a list of sacraments to be received, penance, first communion, confirmation, marriage, etc.
As for the sin forgiveness, you go in and talk to the priest, face to face or through a curtain, and you tell him your most grievous sins. You pray together, and he tells you how you can gain penance, through prayer, etc. I know it all sounds crazy, but after the last time I went, I felt amazing when I left. Like a weight had been lifted of off me. Whether it is legit or placebo effect, I don't know, but for those that believe, I can see its comfort.
