Plain English Meaning

How consistently a test measures what it measures. If the same student took it again, or a different version of it, they should get a similar score.

Full Definition

In the context of a written assessment, reliability is the degree to which a test produces consistent results when given to the same student or group of students under the same conditions. A reliable test yields similar scores across repeated administrations, different versions, or different graders.

Context Anchor

Seen when aviation instructors are building or reviewing written tests, quizzes, and stage checks.

Derivation

From the Latin 're-' (again) and 'ligare' (to bind or fasten), giving the sense of something that can be bound to or counted on again and again. In testing, it points to results you can count on to repeat.

Why Pilots Care

Ensures that assessments accurately reflect a student's knowledge rather than varying due to test flaws, supporting fair training decisions.

Intuition Check

Reliability does not just mean that a test seems professional or well written. In this context, it means the test gives consistent results and does not change unfairly because of unclear questions or uneven conditions.