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.
Plain English
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.
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.