[Idiom] make up an exam?

[maoyueh]

Some of my Taiwanese friends say "to make up an exam" means "to take a makeup" or "to retake an exam", but I think it does not.

I think "to make up an exam" means "to prepare an exam" or "to set an exam."

Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you so much.

 

[Matthew Wai]

http://www.geauga.kent.edu/academics/support/testingservices/make-up-testing.cfm
After reading the first two sentences on the above page, I think it means 'to take a make-up exam'.

Not a teacher.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Without additional context, I would agree with your friends.

 

[emsr2d2]

I think two definitions are possible and context would tell you which was meant.

I have to set an exam for my students next week so for the rest of this week I will be making up the exam. (I will be preparing the questions.)
I was sick on the day of the maths exam but next week I have to go in and make up the exam. (I have to take it later than everyone else.)

I wouldn't use it to mean "retake" an exam (take it for the second time).