egzaminas

Egzaminas is a formal assessment used to evaluate knowledge, skills, or competence in a defined domain, typically conducted upon completion or progression in an education system or professional field. It can determine whether a person passes a course, advances to the next level, or receives a certification. Examinations may be written, oral, or practical and can be standardized or classroom-based.

Etymology and usage: The word egzaminas is derived from Latin examen, via Lithuanian. In Lithuanian, egzaminas denotes both school exams and national or professional assessments. The most prominent national instance is the brandos egzaminas, a state-mandated final examination for secondary education, which in many contexts serves as a university entrance qualification.

Administration: Examinations are typically regulated by education authorities or professional bodies. They are scheduled at fixed times, with rules on registration, preparation, permitted materials, and grading. Results may be numeric scores, letter grades, or pass/fail outcomes, and may be subject to appeals or retakes.

Variants and implications: Examinations can assess a wide range of competencies, including knowledge recall, reasoning, practical skills, or oral communication. They are often high-stakes assessments, influencing education pathways, licensure, or employment opportunities. Critics argue that exams can create stress or inequities, prompting reforms toward broader assessment strategies and continuous evaluation.