Plain English Meaning
Whether a test really checks the thing it claims to check. If a test is supposed to measure a student's understanding of weather, but it mostly measures how well they can read tricky question wording, then the test is not valid.
Full Definition
In assessment, the degree to which a test actually measures what it is intended to measure. A valid test produces results that genuinely reflect the knowledge or skill being assessed, rather than something else such as reading speed, memorization of irrelevant detail, or test-taking ability.
Context Anchor
Seen when instructors build or review written tests, stage checks, and lesson assessments.
Derivation
From the Latin validus, meaning 'strong' or 'effective.' A valid test is one that holds up — its results can be trusted because the test is doing the job it was built to do.
Why Pilots Care
A valid test confirms that a student who passes truly understands the material required for safe flight decisions and procedures.
Intuition Check
Validity does not mean the question is simply official-looking or difficult. In this context, it means the question actually measures the intended knowledge or skill.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor reviewed the written exam for validity to make sure each question actually tested knowledge of regulations rather than trivia.
Example Sentence 2
A test with strong validity gives reliable results about whether a student is ready for the next phase of training.