The two APICS tests I took sofar are really standardized. The only thing they didn't test was actual knowledge and comprehension of the subject and the thing they didn't deliver was realistic results. What they tested was you ability to read the question in the right way. I take these tests since I assume that they are pretty american-style (atleast I was told so). Doesn't mean we don't have them in good old europe, too.

And in my experience, that's all these test do besides being somtetimes completely random. I agree that it is easier to give marks based on these tests,but they don't really tell you want you want to know.