What is the main characteristic of a performance test?

A performance test is fundamentally characterized by its focus on evaluating skills through practical application. This type of assessment is designed to determine how well an individual can perform specific tasks or demonstrate competencies in real-world scenarios, rather than just answering questions or providing theoretical knowledge.

In practical terms, this means that candidates are often required to engage in hands-on activities that emulate the actual work environment they will be operating in. For example, a performance test might involve a firefighter demonstrating the proper techniques for operating firefighting equipment or executing a rescue maneuver in a controlled setting. The emphasis is on the effective application of skills necessary for successful performance in the field.

The other options describe methods of assessment that do not align with the core purpose of a performance test. Assessing knowledge through written exams focuses more on what a person knows rather than what they can do, while measuring theoretical understanding is concerned with knowledge but does not involve practical skills. Relying solely on peer reviews does not provide a standardized measure of performance in the same way a structured performance test does.