* Scope and Depth: Exams typically cover a broader range of material and delve deeper into the subject matter than tests. Tests might focus on a specific unit or skill, while exams often encompass multiple units or even the entirety of a course.
* Format and Length: Exams are usually longer and more comprehensive than tests. They might include a variety of question types (essay, multiple choice, problem-solving) while tests may stick to a single or limited number of formats.
* Weight and Importance: Exams usually carry more weight in a student's final grade than tests. A single exam can significantly impact the overall mark, whereas a test might contribute a smaller percentage.
* Preparation Time: Students generally dedicate more time to preparing for exams due to their broader scope and higher stakes.
* Frequency: Tests are often given more frequently throughout a course to check for understanding of smaller segments of material, while exams are typically less frequent, often occurring at the end of a unit, semester, or year.
In short, think of tests as frequent checkpoints assessing smaller pieces of learning, and exams as major evaluations encompassing a larger body of knowledge. The distinctions can be blurry, however, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.