Knowledge tests is more appropriate when memorized data or specific events rely on rote memory or simple recall. Testing knowledge measures what a person has learned such as facts or historical events. Knowledge test is a way to evaluate what a student has learned or memorized. It offers clear advantages for confirming content mastery as it directly measures an amount of recall and application of what has been directly taught through quizzes or exams. Therefore knowledge tests rely on education and on exposure to specific information to improve knowledge retention.

Intelligence Quotient Tests, however measure fossilized cognitive abilities like reasoning and problem-solving needing higher order thinking skills in every situation. IQ tests focus on logic and abstract thinking. The key distinction lies heavily on fossilized intelligence which builds on accumulated knowlege versus raw mental agility reflecting simple mental flexibility and recall.