Purpose: This study examined the conceptions of assessment and its relationship to self-regulation and self-confidence among pre-service teachers. Design/methodology/approach: Participants were 278 pre-service students attending a teacher's college in Bahrain. This study employed the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to investigate the relationships among the observed variables. Findings: The results revealed that the conceptions of assessment had positively impacted the academic achievements of students who were accountable. In addition, the conceptions that made schools accountable had a positive relationship with academic achievement, whereas students who ignored the assessment, received a negative effect on self-regulation. Research limitations/implications: The generalization of the results to other populations in Bahrain should be made with caution since this study involved a relatively small number of students from Bahrain. Policymakers might be encouraged to consider students' appropriate response to their conceptions of assessment when assessments are being developed. Originality/value: This study might encourage educators and policymakers in Bahrain to develop strategies to further improve students' self-confidence, self-regulation, and academic achievement.