The CRAAP test is a list of questions to help evaluate information found. It stands for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. The document then defines each element of the CRAAP test and provides questions to consider for each to determine the quality and reliability of a source. It was created by the Meriam Library at Chico State and the questions are meant to help determine if a source is current, significant to your topic, from a qualified author, truthful/correct, and unbiased.

1. Testing Your Knowledge
About CRAAP

2. What is the CRAAP Test?

3. The CRAAP Test is a list of
questions to help you evaluate the
information you find.
Depending on your situation or
need, different criteria will be
more or less important.

5. Currency
Currency (Timeliness): The timeliness of the information; how
current it is
• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
• Are the links functional?

6. Relevance
Relevance (Coverage of the topic): The significance of the
information for your needs
• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your
question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining
this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research
paper?

7. Authority
Authority: The source of the information
• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author’s credentials or organizational
affiliation?
• Is the author qualified to write on this subject?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email
address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
oFor example: .com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net

8. Accuracy
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the
content
• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or referred?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or
from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free from
emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors?

9. Purpose
Purpose: The reason the information exists
• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform,
teach, sell, entertain, or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose
clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion, informed opinion, or
propaganda/fake news?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious,
institutional, or personal biases?

10. Conclusion:
Currency (Timeliness): The timeliness of the information; how
current it is
Relevance (Coverage of the topic): The significance of the
information for your needs
Authority: The source of the information
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the
content
Purpose: The reason the information exists

11. Elizabeth D. Bradsher, MEd, MLIS
Director of Learning Resource Center
elizabeth.bradsher@cv.edu
334-291-4979
Information provided by:
The Meriam Library, California State University, Chico
Rubric provided by:
The Ron E. Lewis Library, Lamar State University