A test that measures a student's ability to perform a task is referred to as a:

A test that measures a student's ability to perform a task is accurately described by the term "skills evaluation." This type of assessment focuses not only on theoretical knowledge but rather on the practical application of skills in real or simulated environments. Skills evaluations are crucial in training and educational settings because they provide a clear insight into how well students can execute the competencies they have learned, from hands-on tasks in vocational courses to practical demonstrations in various fields.

In contrast, the other types of assessments mentioned, such as oral tests, written tests, and cognitive tests, primarily focus on knowledge recall, comprehension, and the ability to articulate information rather than the actual performance of skills. Therefore, while they play important roles in a comprehensive assessment strategy, they do not specifically evaluate hands-on ability in the way that a skills evaluation does. This distinction underscores the importance of directly assessing skill application in training environments.