What is the validity of the statement that testing by individuals is a religious innovation in this age?

Question:
Some students of knowledge wrote a book in which they stated that testing by individuals is an innovation introduced in this age. Is this correct, given that we read in some of the words of the Salaf: "If you see a Kufi or a Baghdadi speaking about Ahmad, know that he is a person of innovation or bias"?

Answer:
What does this have to do with this test? The test is intended to be a test in lessons and examinations. Is it an innovation, or does he mean that the test by individuals asks you about a person, and if you answer, you are judged to be a Sunni or an innovator? This is not permissible. This is not permissible, except if it is known about the innovators that they oppose the people of the Sunnah or oppose an imam from the imams of the people of the Sunnah. If their enmity toward him is evidence of their innovation and deviation, like Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him). Yes. But as for you reviewing people and asking them about so-and-so, this has no basis and should not be done. Yes.