What defines criterion-referenced tests?

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to measure an individual's performance against a predefined set of standards or criteria, rather than comparing their performance to that of others. This means that the primary focus is on whether the test-taker has achieved specific learning objectives or proficiency benchmarks, making it possible to determine if they have met the expected skills or knowledge level.

When a test is criterion-referenced, it establishes what students should know and be able to do, and assesses them directly on those standards. For instance, in an educational setting, if a criterion-referenced test evaluates reading skills, it would measure a student's ability to perform specific reading tasks that are considered essential for grade-level proficiency, regardless of how their peers perform.

In contrast, other approaches, such as norm-referenced tests, compare a student's performance to that of their peers, which is not the case for criterion-referenced assessments. Thus, the strength of criterion-referenced testing lies in its focus on individual mastery of content against established criteria, making it an essential tool for understanding whether learners have achieved the necessary knowledge or skills in a subject area.