Which achievement test focuses on overall competency in a subject?

A competency test is specifically designed to assess an individual's understanding and skills in a particular subject area. It measures whether a learner has acquired the necessary knowledge and abilities to perform tasks or understand concepts at a required level. This focus on overall proficiency makes it a vital tool in educational settings where demonstrating mastery of subject matter is important.

Competency tests are often used in various educational systems to ensure that students not only have been exposed to material but can also apply what they have learned effectively. Their design typically aligns with specific standards or learning objectives, providing a clear gauge of a student’s readiness or ability to progress in their education or career.

In contrast, a diagnostic test is primarily used to identify a student's current knowledge base and learning needs rather than measuring overall competency. Standardized tests, while they can assess competency, are broader in scope, and formatively assess progress rather than culminating knowledge at a point in time. This distinction underscores why competency testing is a focused measure of overall subject mastery.