If you are talking about standarized tests such as end of course testing, I agree that they often fall short of their goal. The idea is that these tests will provide a viable assessment that can be compared to other students in other areas. This isn't always what the tests accomplish though. In terms of other exams or exams in general, I think they are a necessary evil. Teachers have to be able to assess their students. Students will never be able to escape exams all together no matter what they choose to do later in life. Of course, there are many forms of assessment other than just the standard test format. Many teachers try to include several forms of assessment within their finla exams.

Assessment of some sort is a necessary component to any good curriculum.  As stated in many of the above posts, how else would a teacher know or a student show what skills they have mastered, and which skills or content still need work?  My job as a teacher is provide multiple exposure and multiple formative (small) and summative (large) assessments so that I can modify what I am doing or presenting in class.  As for the cheating, teachers need to be more vigilant during testing and not casually sitting by reading a paper, doing other grading, or typing at a computer.  There are ways to stop cheating, but they take some effort and attention on the teacher's part.  I can't complain about cheating if I am not willing to take active measures to stop it.

Are you asking about regular tests that are made by teachers or are you asking about the sorts of "high stakes" tests like the GCSE exams in the UK or the "No Child Left Behind" tests in the US?  When it comes to regular tests, I agree with the previous post.  They're not fun, but they're necessary.  Teachers have to have some good way to determine what you have learned and tests are still the most objective and best way to find that out.  It might be nicer to do things like projects, but those don't really test knowledge over a broad range of material.

Although you may not currently be considering a college career, exams are an even more integral part of college life, and hopefully the ones you face in high school will better prepare you for university life. Additionally, tests are often given as a part of employment applications, so don't think for a minute that tests are unimportant. You will face various kinds for the remainder of your life.

I agree with litteacher--exams have historically been the most critical way to analyze student mastery. Not only that, but the new Core Curriculum, which all teachers are held accountable to, state that there must be something in place to examine student knowledge.

You bring up an interesting idea. I counter with this: how will teachers know if students are learning or not if they don't give exams?  There are many kinds of assessment.  What do you mean by exams?  It is true that students often cheat.  This is because they value grades more than learning.