An aptitude test determines the knowledge that a student has by assessing the knowledge that they have on a specific subject. Aptitude tests are traditionally used to measure a student's academic knowledge in English, math, and literature and reading. Aptitude tests are often scored by an outside source.
Achievement tests measure a student's comprehension of specific skills and the content learned in a course. The results from achievement tests may be used to help students get help should they need extra assistance to understand course content. Achievement tests produced by a teacher may be curved in the classroom setting.
Aptitude tests and achievement tests both measure an individual's knowledge in different areas or disciplines. Test scores are often used for college entrance, graduate school programs and entrance into military academies. Individuals may also have to take tests to gain access to employment.
One of the primary areas of criticism for student testing is that school funding is often based on scoring results. Some teachers are thought to teach material on the tests to help students do well, but this approach limits student understanding of material in a larger context and calls into question the accuracy of the results.
Achievement tests and aptitude tests are usually developed by teachers, but may also be created by outside sources, such as the Department of Education, to help in the assessment of students and their knowledge. Achievement and aptitude tests normally have no formal guidelines, but they have a structure and format followed. Today, test-makers use computers to help in the creation of the tests and assessments.
Achievement tests or assessments are often administered in the classroom and are given on a regular basis to measure student understanding and application of content. Quizzes and exams, as well as practice tests for the SAT, are examples of achievement tests.
Aptitude tests are normally administered outside of the classroom or involve a formal testing method, such as Praxis, ACTs and SATs. Tests may be administered on a national basis at a test facility or at a local school after hours or on weekends.