nontest

Nontest is a term used to denote items, activities, or data that are not formal tests. It is not a standardized term with a single, universally accepted definition, and its precise meaning depends on the context in which it is used. The word is formed from the prefix non- and the noun test, and its function is often to contrast with testing processes or results.

In education, nontest assessments include essays, projects, portfolios, presentations, and participation grades, used to evaluate learning outcomes without a traditional exam. In software development and quality assurance, nontest artifacts may refer to requirements documents, design reviews, static analysis results, or defect reports that are not executed test cases. In research and data analysis, the term may refer to descriptive or exploratory work that does not involve formal hypothesis testing. In regulatory or compliance contexts, nontest procedures might include inspections or audits rather than testing of products.

Because the term lacks a fixed definition, its usefulness depends on clear contextualization. When authors use nontest, they typically define what counts as a nontest within their framework to ensure clarity and comparability. The concept highlights the distinction between activities that generate direct test results and those that produce information through alternative methods.

See also: test, assessment, evaluation.