Who this entry is for — Anyone who wants to know whether the bottom (or top) of the range truly holds. The Secondary Test brings price back toward the climax with less volume: if it holds, phase A is closed and the cause in phase B can build.
Source: Wyckoff Schematics (Pruden, MTA 2006); Wyckoff Analytics teaching. Closes the phase A sequence in both accumulation and distribution schematics.
Prerequisites
Automatic Rally / Reaction (AR) and the corresponding climax (SC or BC).
Definition
In plain terms — After the bounce (AR), price returns to test the climax zone. If it does so on low volume and a tight spread, the market says: «there is no more panic (or euphoria)». That is confirmation the range can form.
The Secondary Test (ST) is price returning toward the climax area — SC in accumulation, BC in distribution — on volume and spread lower than the climax itself. The effort/result law works in the analyst's favour here: little effort, little movement beyond the climax, a sign that supply (in accumulation) or demand (in distribution) has exhausted. If the accumulation ST drops below the SC low on high volume, the bottom is not confirmed: new tests or a longer range are needed. If the distribution ST exceeds the BC with conviction, the top is doubtful.
| Valid ST (accumulation) | Failed ST | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Less than SC | Equal to or greater than SC |
| Price | At or above SC level | New low below SC |
| Spread | Tight | Wide |
| Outcome | Phase B begins | Longer range / markdown |
Example — SC at €36.50 (volume 5× average). AR to €42. ST at €37.10 on volume −62% vs SC, close €37.80. Range €36.50–€42 confirmed — phase B begins. P&F count starts from here.
ST and nine tests
Test #2 of the nine buying tests requires PS, SC and ST present — the climax alone is not enough. In distribution, PSY, BC and the mirror ST. Without a confirmed ST, anticipating spring or UTAD is premature.
Common mistake — Labelling every pullback in an immature range as ST. Wyckoff ST appears only in phase A, toward the area of the climax just formed — not a random support test in phase B.
Summary card
| Abbr. | ST |
| Phase | A |
| Function | Confirms climax / defines range |
| Nine tests | Test #2 |
| After ST | Phase B — cause building |