What type of test is designed to measure specific mental abilities and predict achievement in particular areas?

An aptitude test is specifically designed to measure an individual's potential to succeed in a particular activity or skill set. These tests assess specific mental abilities, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and the capacity to learn new skills, making them effective tools for predicting future performance in various areas, including academics, vocational fields, and other specialized tasks.

For example, a math aptitude test might evaluate an individual's numerical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, thereby forecasting their success in a mathematics-related course or career. Unlike achievement tests, which evaluate what a person has already learned, aptitude tests focus on innate abilities and the potential for future success. This aligns well with the emphasis on predicting achievement in specific areas as stated in the question.

In contrast to other test types, such as personality tests, which evaluate traits and characteristics, or diagnostic tests, which are used to identify specific learning difficulties, the primary function of aptitude tests is to forecast an individual's capacity to excel in certain tasks or fields.