A criterion-referenced test measures a candidate's mark against a series of criteria and produces a description of level based on that criterion.

Student taking a computer based test

It can be compared with a norm-referenced test, which places a learner's mark against what other people are achieving in the same test. Criterion-based tests are useful for indicating how a group of learners are progressing as they compare candidates against a standard, rather than each other.

Example
Many formal English exams, including IELTS and TOEFL, are criterion-based tests.

In the classroom
It is useful for candidates to understand how criteria are used to evaluate their language. Writing comprehension activities can help. For example, learners can put jumbled up criteria in order, or do a three way matching activity with level descriptions, the bands they correspond to, and the input from the examiner.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/evaluating-speaking-ielts-speaking-test

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/blogs/vicky-saumell/vicky-saumell-using-rubrics-assess-projects

Comments

Submitted by MK on Tue, 02/19/2019 - 08:01

I am confused. Author Hughes in his book "Testing for language teachers" states that TOEFL is not a criterion-referenced test.

Criterion referenced testing has been used in a lot of literature to talk about two different things - for that reason it can be confusing. If we talk about criterion referenced testing as testing a performance according to an established standard, than many ESL exams are criterion referenced (for example, looking at the Common European Framework descriptors). We can compare this to Norm-referenced testing, where students are assessed according to their performance compared with other groups of students. I hope that helps, Best wishes, Cath

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