  Context. Spacecraft observations have motivated the need for a refined
description of the phase-space distribution function. Of particular importance
is the pitch-angle diffusion coefficient that occurs in the Fokker-Planck
transport equation. Aims. Simulations and analytical test-particle theories are
compared to verify the diffusion description of particle transport, which does
not allow for non-Markovian behavior. Methods. A Monte-Carlo simulation code
was used to trace the trajectories of test particles moving in turbulent
magnetic fields. From the ensemble average, the pitch-angle Fokker-Planck
coefficient is obtained via the mean square displacement. Results. It is shown
that, while excellent agreement with analytical theories can be obtained for
slab turbulence, considerable deviations are found for isotropic turbulence. In
addition, all Fokker-Planck coefficients tend to zero for high time values.
