試験を受ける (take an exam)

The standard collocation for 'take / sit an exam,' literally 'receive an exam.' Part of the productive 受ける family for things one undergoes — 授業を受ける ('take a class'), 治療を受ける ('receive treatment'), 検査を受ける ('have an inspection'). 受ける's sense of 'receive' extends to inspections, tests, and interviews.