Both achievement and diagnostic tests frequently use standardized formats to avoid bias in scoring.
Both achievement and diagnostic proficiency tests are used regularly by schools. These examinations help determine the progress of students and if the school is educating children properly. Similar diagnostic tests are used by the military for knowledge proficiency as well. However, there is a difference between the two categories.
Diagnostic Proficiency
Diagnostic-type exams focus on evaluating the current condition or status of the subject. They are not intended to reward learning; the exam type is designed to gauge current capability. Many times these tests are used for placement purposes to fit the subject or child to existing levels of learning.
Achievement Tests
An achievement test measures whether the student has learned a skill or concept sufficiently to pass a given standard. Standardized tests are commonly used to evaluate achievement of subjects and students, with adjusted material for different grade levels.
Differences
Diagnostic tests can be quick and short in format. Achievement tests can be designed to take up to two or more hours at a time. Achievement tests may incorporate challenges to determine if the student has learned sufficiently, while a diagnostic test may just quickly evaluate if the ability to learn a skill is present.
Tags: tests used, achievement diagnostic, Achievement tests, Both achievement, Both achievement diagnostic
