What is a characteristic of a performance exam?

A performance exam is specifically designed to evaluate an individual's ability to demonstrate practical skills and competencies in a real-world or simulated environment. This format emphasizes hands-on application, allowing participants to show their proficiency in specific tasks or skills relevant to the subject matter. By providing a chance to perform these tasks, the exam not only assesses knowledge but also practical execution, which is crucial for many fields, particularly in training scenarios like those in law enforcement or emergency services.

This hands-on aspect distinguishes performance exams from purely written assessments, which focus on theoretical knowledge rather than the capability to apply that knowledge in practice. The structure of performance exams also tends to be more focused, requiring specific demonstrations rather than being unstructured.