A
test or
examination (informally,
exam) is an
assessment intended to measure a test-taker's
knowledge,
skill,
aptitude,
physical fitness, or classification in many other topics (e.g.,
beliefs). A test may be administered verbally, on paper, on a
computer, or in a confined area that requires a test taker to physically perform a set of skills. Tests vary in style, rigor and requirements. For example, in a closed book test, a test taker is often required to rely upon memory to respond to specific items whereas in an open book test, a test taker may use one or more supplementary tools such as a reference book or calculator when responding to an item. A test may be administered formally or informally. An example of an informal test would be a reading test administered by a parent to a child. An example of a formal test would be a final examination administered by a teacher in a classroom or an I.Q. test administered by a psychologist in a clinic. Formal testing often results in a
grade or a
test score. A test score may be interpreted with regards to a
norm or
criterion, or occasionally both. The norm may be established independently, or by
statistical analysis of a large number of participants.