If a test has content validity then it has been shown to test what it sets out to test. Content validity can be compared to face validity, which means it looks like a valid test to those who use it.

Example
Public examination bodies ensure through research and pre-testing that their tests have both content and face validity.

In the classroom
Not only teachers and administrators can evaluate the content validity of a test. Learners can be encouraged to consider how the test they are preparing for evaluates their language and so identify the areas they need to work on.