The main difference between a question bank and a test bank lies in their purpose and content:

Question Bank:

  • A question bank is a collection of individual questions or items that can be used to create assessments, quizzes, or exams.
  • It typically consists of a wide range of questions covering various topics or subjects.
  • The questions in a question bank are often categorized by difficulty level or topic, making it easier for instructors to select relevant questions based on their instructional needs.
  • Question banks are commonly used by educators to generate customized assessments for their students.

Test Bank:

  • A test bank, on the other hand, is a comprehensive collection of pre-prepared tests or exams that cover the content of a specific textbook or course.
  • It includes a set of ready-made assessments with questions, answer choices, and sometimes even solutions or explanations.
  • Test banks are typically created by the textbook authors, publishers, or instructors to accompany educational materials.
  • They provide a convenient resource for instructors to assess their students' knowledge and comprehension of the textbook material.

In summary, a question bank is a flexible resource consisting of individual questions that can be used to create custom assessments, while a test bank is a pre-made collection of tests specifically aligned with a particular textbook or course.