This document outlines the steps for developing a table of specifications (TOS) or test blueprint to design an exam. It discusses determining test objectives, coverage, and calculating the weight for each topic based on time spent on instruction. The number of items per topic is then calculated based on the weight. Finally, the placement of items on the exam by topic and type (e.g. multiple choice, essay) is determined. The goal is to map out exam contents proportionately based on curricular emphasis.

1. Chapter 3:
Table of
Specifications
Kathlyn P. Aragon, MA

2. Table of
Specifications
TOS/Test Blueprint is a tool used by teachers to
design a test. It is a table that maps out the test
objectives, contents, or topics by the test.

3. Steps in
Developing
a TOS

4. Determine the
objectives of the test.
01
3 types of Objectives: Cognitive, Affective, Psychomotor
For a written test, consider cognitive objectives
For pyschomotor domain, consider performance – based
assessment.

5. Determine the
coverage of the test.
02
Determine the contents of the test.

6. Determine the objectives and
coverage of the test
TOPIC OBJECTIVE
Theories and Concepts Recognize important concepts in
personality theories.

7. Calculate the weight
for each topic.
03
Percent of Time (weight) = time spent for that topic during
instruction/total amount of time spent for all topics covered in
the test X 100

8. Calculate the weight for each
topic.
TOPIC OBJECTIVE TIME
SPENT
PERCENT OF TIME
(WEIGHT)
Theories and
Concepts
Recognize
important
concepts in
personality
theories.
1 hour 1/4 X 100 = 25 %
Trait Theories 3 hours 3/4 X 100 = 75 %
TOTAL 4 hours 100 %

9. Determine the number
of items for the whole
test.
04
General Rule: 60 seconds for 1 item/question with choices.
Example: 1 hour = 60 items ONLY but will be lessen to 50 items
because the remaining 10 minutes is for test instruction.

10. Calculate the weight for each
topic.
TOPIC OBJECTIV
E
TIME
SPENT
PERCENT OF
TIME
(WEIGHT)
NO. OF ITEMS
Theories
and
Concepts
Recognize
important
concepts in
personality
theories.
1 hour 1/4 X 100 = 25
%
Trait
Theories
3 hours 3/4 X 100 = 75
%
TOTAL 4 hours 100 % 50 items

11. Determine the number
of items per topic.
05
Number of Items per Topic = Percent of Time (weight)/ 100 x Total
Number of Items

12. Determine the number of items
per topic.
TOPIC OBJECTIV
E
TIME
SPENT
PERCENT OF
TIME
(WEIGHT)
NO. OF ITEMS
Theories
and
Concepts
Recognize
important
concepts in
personality
theories.
1 hour 1/4 X 100 = 25
%
25/100 x 50 =
12.5 or 13
Trait
Theories
3 hours 3/4 X 100 = 75
%
75/100 x 50 =
37
TOTAL 4 hours 100 % 50 items

13. Determine the
placement of items.
06
Type test: Multiple choice, Essay, Identification etc.

14. Determine the placement of
items.
TOPIC OBJECTIVE TIME
SPENT
PERCENT
OF TIME
(WEIGHT)
NO. OF
ITEMS
PLACEMENT
OF ITEMS
Theories
and
Concepts
Recognize
important
concepts
in
personalit
y theories.
1 hour 1/4 X 100 =
25 %
25/100 x 50 =
12.5 or 13
Identification
Item #s 38 -
50
Trait
Theories
3
hours
3/4 X 100 =
75 %
75/100 x 50 =
37
Multiple
Choice
Item #s 1 - 37
TOTAL 4
hours
100 % 50 items

15. DEPED TOS
FORMAT