A quiz is a short 'test' of your knowledge on a subject, usually comprised of questions requiring only short answers. It is also sometimes given on the spur of the moment. A test is given when the instructor wants to evaluate your knowledge on a chapter, or more lengthy part of a course or subject. Tests can have multiple choice answers or essay questions. An exam is usually given at the end of a quarter, semester or school year to test your knowledge on the subject for that whole part of the year, or for the whole course. Exams are lengthy and may include questions with multiple choice answers but also essay questions that require much preparation and thought before the answer is written. Instructors usually give advance notice for tests and exams.