What is the primary purpose of an achievement test?

The primary purpose of an achievement test is to assess current capabilities. Achievement tests are designed to measure what an individual has learned or the skills they have acquired in a specific area after a period of instruction or experience. These tests reflect the knowledge and skills that a person has developed up to the point of testing, allowing educators or employers to determine how well individuals meet established standards in a particular subject.

While assessments related to future potential, past performance, or predictions of future success may overlap with the objectives of achievement tests, their main focus distinctly lies in gauging present abilities based on prior learning or training. This characteristic makes achievement tests a critical tool in both academic settings and professional evaluations for understanding current functional competencies.