What are the two most important conditions of a well-designed test?

The two most important conditions of a well-designed test are validity and reliability.

Validity refers to the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure. A valid test accurately assesses the knowledge or skills it is supposed to evaluate, ensuring that the results are meaningful and applicable to the learning objectives. For example, if a fire protection test aims to measure a candidate's knowledge of firefighting techniques, it should include questions that directly relate to those techniques rather than unrelated topics.

Reliability, on the other hand, pertains to the consistency of the test results. A reliable test will yield similar outcomes when administered to the same individuals under similar conditions. This consistency means that if a candidate takes the test multiple times, their scores should be relatively stable, reflecting their true knowledge level rather than random measurement errors or fluctuations.

Together, validity and reliability ensure that a test is effective and trustworthy, making it possible for instructors to accurately assess student performance and learning outcomes.