A test that provides a basis for determining a candidate's level of knowledge and skills relative to a well-defined domain of content is called...

A test that provides a basis for determining a candidate's level of knowledge and skills relative to a well-defined domain of content is called...

• A. Criterion-referenced testing
• B. Norm-referenced testing
• C. Ipsative testing
• D. Diagnostic testing

Answer: (A)

Criterion-referenced testing measures what a person can do against a fixed set of criteria within a specific content domain. It shows whether the candidate has achieved the required level of knowledge and skills, independent of how others perform. This leads to interpretable results like mastery decisions or passing thresholds and supports consistent standards across groups and times. For example, licensing exams use predefined standards to certify competence in a domain. In contrast, norm-referenced testing compares scores to a norm group to rank test-takers, ipsative testing compares current performance to the individual’s past results, and diagnostic testing aims to identify specific strengths and weaknesses within the domain.

Criterion-referenced testing measures what a person can do against a fixed set of criteria within a specific content domain. It shows whether the candidate has achieved the required level of knowledge and skills, independent of how others perform. This leads to interpretable results like mastery decisions or passing thresholds and supports consistent standards across groups and times. For example, licensing exams use predefined standards to certify competence in a domain. In contrast, norm-referenced testing compares scores to a norm group to rank test-takers, ipsative testing compares current performance to the individual’s past results, and diagnostic testing aims to identify specific strengths and weaknesses within the domain.