Diagnostic assessment is used to identify student strengths and weaknesses. It may be used before or during a learning cycle to pinpoint where to provide support.

Formative assessment is used to monitor student progress during a teaching and learning cycle. It can be used to give a student feedback about how well they have performed or what they need to do to improve. It can also help a teacher judge how much students have learnt and whether all students are able to show their ability.

Summative assessment is used to make a 'final' determination of student achievement. It usually comes at the end of teaching and learning cycle. The length of a teaching and learning cycle may vary. Summative assessment should enable students to show their ability.