To somehow picture something helps make a much better imprint on my memory. I use my imagination. I sketch it. We remember faces better than names. Faces are visual.
Names are words.
However, some tests do. Computer software skills are tested in some of my courses. In art courses like ceramics and photography not all of the grade is not based on tests, but much of the grade is based on the quality of artwork produced. However, practiced skill at the potter's wheel, with the camera, or at the enlarger is very useful to me when attempting to produce good artwork. I find it hard to practice new skills just for the sake of practice because I keep getting distracted by other stuff I would rather be doing.