Yeah, we use the beaker to mean unit tests. We like the icons because they keep the layout dense, but if the meanings aren’t clear that is good feedback for us
A decent number of people's brains just don't assign meaning to images. I'm one of them. As an example, I've been using an iPhone for several years. I still routinely click on the Notes icon instead of the Reminders icon, as well as, the Maps icon instead of the Weather icon whenever I'm rushing and don't take time to read and say the app name in my head.
I'm not sure if it's tied into being an auditory learner, but I know I'm not alone.
You should provide tooltips regardless of whether the meanings are generally clear.