Types of School Tests

Every school has certain standards that must be met to ensure that a student completes the classes taken and is tested to determine the ability to graduate to the next level. So what are the different types of tests that are used in schools and how do they differ?

Achievement Test – This test is a type of standardized test that measures knowledge in a particular are of a subject such as English or math. It is often a multiple choice type test that gives the student three to five different answers to choose from and may be given at the end of a chapter or section or in a final exam. 

Aptitude Test – This test is a type of standardized test that is often used by colleges to determine a student’s reasoning abilities in math or their verbal skills. It is often a multiple choice test that gives the college admissions office some view of how a student might perform in college or vocational program.

Criterion or Norm Referencing Test – This is a way to compare a student against a benchmark or standard of acceptable performance. In other words it tests how well the student did against the "average" student. 

The standards of tests design what students should be knowledgeable about in a particular subject and to determine what grade level each represents. There are numerous companies and groups that contribute to the research and development of standardized test questions. Many tests measure the student’s skills and knowledge in a particular subject or subjects and others are designed to compare them with students all over the country. Many states also have their own separate tests specific to their state standards. The SAT-I tests are an aptitude test that is commonly known for college preparatory students.

While these tests are measuring skills and knowledge they are not measuring motivation or the ability to get along in a team environment. They do not measure a student’s creativity or how well their project management is all things that will be needed in today’s world to develop and excel in business or whatever future endeavors the student aspires to but they are essential to determining if a student graduates, gets promoted or advances to the next level.