What is the difference between testing and examining? Testing or examining, what is the difference between the two terms? Is there actually a difference? Yes, there is indeed a difference between testing and examining. At examine we speak of a formal form of assessment. Often, a certificate or diploma is attached to an examination. This is not necessary in the case of a test not to be the case. This means you can always administer an interim test, which does not carry a definitive (final) assessment. Read more about the differences between formative assessment and summative assessment.