This PPT Aims to provide knowledge and Understanding about the concept of Criterion Reference Tests, Characteristics of Criterion Reference Tests, Scoring of Criterion Reference Tests, Development of Criterion Reference Tests, Advantages of Criterion Reference Tests, Limitations of Criterion Reference Tests, Examples of Criterion Reference Tests, Purposes of Criterion Reference Tests, Significance of Criterion Reference Tests, How Criterion Reference Tests Works, When should Criterion Reference Tests Used, Different between NRTs and CRTs.

1. CRITERION-REFERENCED
TESTS: AN OVERVIEW
By
Monojit Gope
Research Scholar

2. DEFINITION OF (CRT)
Criterion-referenced tests (CRT) are assessment tools designed to measure an
individual's performance against pre-established criteria or standards. Unlike
norm-referenced tests that compare individuals to a norm group, CRTs focus on
determining whether an individual has achieved mastery or competency in
specific skills or knowledge areas. The scores on CRTs are typically reported as
"pass/fail," "meets criteria," or on a performance continuum aligned with the
predetermined criteria. CRTs are used to assess an individual's proficiency or
mastery of specific content and provide targeted feedback for improvement and
decision-making purposes.

3. KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF CRTS
Focus on mastery of specific criteria or skills.
Scores reported as "pass/fail," "meets criteria," or on a
performance continuum.
Emphasis on absolute mastery rather than comparison to
others.

4. TEST DEVELOPMENT AND ALIGNMENT
Process of defining criteria and performance levels.
Aligning test items and tasks to the defined criteria.
Ensuring content validity and alignment with
instructional goals.

5. TEST ADMINISTRATION AND SCORING
Procedures for standardized administration to maintain
consistency.
Objective and reliable scoring methods.
Determining the cut-off scores or performance levels for mastery.

6. INTERPRETATION OF CRT SCORES
Direct interpretation of scores in relation to predetermined
criteria.
Identification of specific areas of strength or weakness.
Feedback on individual performance for targeted improvement.

7. ADVANTAGES OF CRTs
Focus on specific skills or knowledge areas.
Clear determination of mastery or competency levels.
Tailored feedback for individual growth and
improvement.

8. LIMITATIONS OF CRTs
Limited information on relative performance compared to others.
Difficulty in comparing scores across different CRTs.
Potential biases in defining criteria or performance levels.

9. EXAMPLES OF CRTs
Common uses of CRTs in education, training, and certification.
Examples of well-known CRTs (e.g., driver's license test,
language proficiency exams).

10. BEST PRACTICES IN USING CRTs
Clearly define criteria and performance levels.
Align test items with the defined criteria.
Use CRT scores in conjunction with other assessment measures
for a comprehensive evaluation.

11. PURPOSE OF CRTs
Determine mastery or proficiency in specific skills or knowledge
areas.
Provide targeted feedback for improvement.
Guide instructional decision-making.
Evaluate curriculum and program effectiveness.
Support certification and licensing requirements.

12. SIGNIFICANCE OF CRTs
Focuses on mastery and proficiency.
Provides clear criteria for evaluation.
Tailors feedback and instruction to individual needs.
Supports objective decision-making.
Ensures alignment with standards and requirements.

13. HOW DO CRITERION-REFERENCED TESTS WORK
Criterion-referenced tests are scored by comparing a student's
performance to a set of predetermined criteria. The criteria are
typically defined in terms of the knowledge or skills that the
student is expected to have mastered. The student's score is then
based on whether or not they have met the criteria.

14. WHEN SHOULD CRITERION-REFERENCED TESTS BE USED
Criterion-referenced tests should be used when it is
important to measure student learning in a direct way.
Criterion-referenced tests should not be used to make
decisions about students that are not based on their actual
learning.

15. DIFFERENT BETWEEN NRTs AND CRTs
Feature Norm-Referenced Test Criterion-Referenced Test
Purpose
To compare test takers to each other To measure a test taker's mastery
of a specific set of skills or
knowledge
Scoring Based on a comparison to a norm
group
Based on a predetermined
standard of performance
Results Percentile rank, standard score, or
grade equivalent
Pass/fail, mastery/non-mastery, or
other categorical designation
Use To make decisions about
admissions, placement, or other
high-stakes outcomes
To track student progress, identify
areas of need, or inform
instruction

16. CONCLUSION
Criterion-referenced tests are a valuable tool for assessing
student learning. However, it is important to be aware of
the limitations of these tests and to use them in a
responsible way.

17. THANK YOU