Aptitude tests and achievement tests can be similar, but the two tests have different uses in counseling. Achievement tests present information about the client’s has learned and the knowledge that the client has obtained (Whiston, 2013). With achievement tests, there are survey achievement tests, criterion-reference tests, and diagnostic achievement tests (Whiston, 2013). Achievement tests can be used in a school setting to show what the student has learned within the school year. Achievement tests can also inform a counselor what problems the student has in a particular subject (Whiston, 2013). The counselor may use this test to show if the student is not improving in a certain subject (Whiston, 2013). School counselors may use this test to screen children for learning disabilities, or behavior problems (Whiston, 2013). Criterion-Reference tests are used to examine a student’s academic skills and standards have been met (Whiston, 2013). Subject area tests are self-explanatory tests that are given to test a person’s knowledge in different areas (Whiston, 2013). …show more content…
Counselors use aptitude assessments to predict the client’s capability to learn and their performance in school (Whiston, 2013). Counselors use these tests to help the client decide on which direction that the client should decide for their future (Whiston, 2013). There are scholastic aptitude tests and vocational aptitude tests (Whiston, 2013). The most common aptitude tests are ACT and SAT tests. These tests are given in students in high school to show how well the student may do academically while in school. Vocational tests are used in a career counseling to tell the counselor how the client will do in different careers (Whiston,