A method for knowledge assessment and encouraging learning via the administration, scoring, remediation, and reiteration of a confidence-based assessment (CBA) test. The CBA test comprises a plurality of multiple choice questions directed to categorical topics, and two-dimensional answers by which a subject indicates both their answer and level of confidence category of their answer. The answers include a plurality of full-confidence choices consisting of single-choice answers (A), (B) or (C), a plurality of partial-confidence choices consisting of sets of multiple single-choice answers (A or B), (B or C), (A or C), and an unsure answer. Scoring entails giving maximum points for correct full-confidence answers, partial points for correct partial-confidence answers, no score for not knowing, and a maximum penalty for wrong answers in any category. The answers are compiled and displayed as a knowledge profile to the subject that separates answers into quadrants of doubt, misinformation, unknown and mastery. The CBA test method is re-administering as often as desired, and when taken multiple times a composite knowledge profile is compiled and to the subject to show improvement.