Final answer:
A proficiency test is used to determine if a job applicant is skilled at a specific task by evaluating their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a job applicant is skilled at a specific task, the type of test that would be used is a proficiency test. This kind of test is designed to evaluate the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) related to the job. Proficiency tests are job-specific and directly assess an applicant's capability to perform the tasks associated with the job in question. These tests can range from written exams to practical demonstrations of skill.
While other tests such as personality or psychological tests, like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), are often used in the hiring process, they measure different qualities. For instance, a personality test might be used to determine if an applicant has traits that align with those needed for successful job performance.