What is Test? State different types of tests in selection procedure.

Definition of Test:

Employers often use tests and other selection procedures to screen applicants for hire and employees for promotion.

The use of tests and other selection procedures can be a very effective means of determining which applicants or employees are most qualified for a particular job. However, use of these tools can violate the federal anti-discrimination laws if an employer intentionally uses them to discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or age (40 or older). Use of tests and other selection procedures can also violate the federal anti-discrimination laws if they disproportionately exclude people in a particular group by race, sex, or another covered basis, unless the employer can justify the test or procedure under the law.

Types of Employment Tests and Selection Procedures

Examples of employment tests and other selection procedures, many of which can be administered online, include the following:

• Cognitive tests: Cognitive tests assess reasoning, memory, perceptual speed and accuracy, and skills in arithmetic and reading comprehension, as well as knowledge of a particular function or job; 
• Physical ability tests: Physical ability tests measure the physical ability to perform a particular task or the strength of specific muscle groups, as well as strength and stamina in general; 
• Sample job tasks: Sample job tasks such as performance tests, simulations, work samples, and realistic job previews assess performance and aptitude on particular tasks; 
• Medical Tests: Medical inquiries and physical examinations, including psychological tests, assess physical or mental health; 
• Personality tests and integrity tests: Personality and integrity tests assess the degree to which a person has certain traits or dispositions such as dependability, cooperativeness, safety or aim to predict the likelihood that a person will engage in certain conduct such as theft, absenteeism 
• Other tests: There are some other tests also found such as –

• Criminal background checks provide information on arrest and conviction history; 
• Credit checks provide information on credit and financial history; 
• Performance appraisals reflect a supervisor’s assessment of an individual’s performance; and 
• English proficiency tests determine English fluency

This is not end yet there are lots of other types of tests also seen but some of them are seen in the academic sectors and some of them are seen outside professional organizations.

You should be looking for the "Differences between Validity test and Reliability test".

Reference: Wikipedia – Test (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test)¹²