What Is a Study Skills Test?

A study skills test measures how an individual prepares for exams. It is an assessment of an individual's current study skills and how he participates in the learning process. The purpose of a study skills test is to identify areas that an individual needs more support in. Some of those areas include organization, memorization techniques and test anxiety.

Techniques that help students learn subject area concepts in a more efficient and thorough manner are known as study skills. These techniques look at ways that the information can be dissected and pieced together to achieve a solid understanding. This helps ensure that when students are tested on the subject material, they will be able to confidently and accurately answer the test questions.

Some students might be interested in taking a study skills test to help them assess their current skill levels. Such a test can help identify the techniques that are currently contributing to students' success and identify areas where they may need additional knowledge. For example, a student may need to learn better strategies and tips for organizing the material presented in class. It might be difficult for him to retain information and he may need to develop a method, such as flashcards, to help him remember.

Young children are sometimes given a study skills test to determine how they study or learn. Some of the questions may relate to certain personality characteristics or tendencies, such as daydreaming. For a student prone to daydreaming, breaking up the material into smaller segments may help him or her to absorb the information better.

Some students experience test anxiety, which a study skills test can help identify. Classic symptoms such as the mind going blank during a test, excessive perspiration, and increased heart rate may make it difficult for the student to focus. Study skill strategies can help a student overcome anxiety by incorporating long-term memory techniques. Visualization and test practice can also help boost confidence and reduce nervousness.

Study skills assessments can also identify whether a student is giving himself enough time to prepare for a test. Depending upon the subject matter that is being tested, a student may need to devote more time to master the material. For example, one student may be naturally good at and highly interested in English literature, but not quite as adept in math. Study skills training can help the student create a study schedule that focuses more on learning the math concepts and perhaps incorporate the support of a fellow student who has a higher natural aptitude for the material.