What is the primary difference between achievement tests and aptitude tests?

The primary difference between achievement tests and aptitude tests lies in their purposes. Achievement tests are specifically designed to evaluate what a person has learned or the skills they have acquired in a particular area. These tests measure knowledge based on the curriculum or subject matter that an individual has already been exposed to, such as math, reading, or science.

Conversely, aptitude tests are used to assess an individual's potential to succeed in certain tasks or fields, rather than their current knowledge or skills. They often predict how well someone may perform in future learning or specialized activities. For instance, an aptitude test might measure a person's ability to solve problems or think critically, which is not directly tied to any specific education or experiences.

This distinction clarifies that achievement tests are retrospective, looking at past learning, while aptitude tests are prospective, aiming to forecast future capabilities. Understanding this difference is crucial in areas such as educational psychology, career counseling, and personal development.