Educational assessment is a systematic process of collecting and using empirical data on students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes to improve learning and refine educational programs. This continuous evaluation, a concept that gained prominence after World War II, assesses student accomplishments and can be applied at various levels, from individual learners to entire educational systems. Key categories of assessment include placement, used before instruction to position students appropriately, and formative, which provides ongoing feedback throughout a course to aid learning. Summative assessment evaluates overall achievement at the end of a course, while diagnostic assessment helps identify specific learning needs. Together, these diverse assessment methods ensure learning outcomes are met and foster continuous improvement in education.