examination

A method of testing the knowledge, understanding, or skills of candidates for qualifications or positions. Chinese written competitive civil service examinations originated in the 2nd-c BC; oral examinations date from the 12th-c. By the 8th-c, written examinations were being used for six specialized degrees, including medicine (10 papers). Examinations were found in the Arab world until the 10th-c, and were known in Europe (in oral form) until the 13th-c. Europe's first written examinations were in 1702 (at Cambridge). Written examinations for the British civil service began in 1870. Examinations are now employed at all levels worldwide, and have significant educational and social impact.

In an academic or professional context, examinations (or exams for short) are tests which aim to determine the ability of a student or a prospective practitioner. Exams are usually written tests, although some may be practical or have practical components, and vary greatly in structure, content and difficulty depending on the subject, the age group of the tested persons and the profession. A person who passes an examination receives a diploma, a driving or professional licence, depending on the examination's objectives.

A competitive examination is an examination where applicants compete for a limited numbers of positions, as opposed to merely having to reach a certain level to pass.

A comprehensive examination is a specific type of exam taken by graduate students, which may determine their eligibility to continue their studies.