Standardized tests are a type of assessment that is administered in a consistent and uniform manner across large groups of people. These tests typically have fixed rules for administration, scoring, and interpretation, which allows for accurate comparisons between individuals or groups. The questions on standardized tests are designed to measure specific knowledge, skills, or abilities, and the results can be used to make decisions about things like admissions into schools or programs, promotions at work, or eligibility for financial aid. Standardized tests are often seen as a way to evaluate educational progress, but they have also been criticized for being an inaccurate measure of student learning and not taking into account factors such as socioeconomic status or cultural background.