What is the difference between a norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment?

• A. Norm-referenced measures performance against fixed criteria; criterion-referenced compares to a norm group.
• B. Norm-referenced compares to a norm group; criterion-referenced measures performance against fixed criteria or standards.
• C. Both are the same.
• D. Norm-referenced uses teacher judgments.

Answer: (B)

Two main ways to interpret test results are used. In a norm-referenced assessment, you’re looking at how a student performs relative to a larger group, producing percentile ranks or relative standing. In a criterion-referenced assessment, the focus is on whether the student has mastered specific skills or standards, with scores tied to fixed criteria or cut scores rather than how others do. This means norm-referenced tests tell you where a student stands compared to peers, while criterion-referenced tests tell you what the student has actually learned or can do against defined benchmarks. An example of a norm-referenced test is a college admissions exam that reports percentile rankings; an example of a criterion-referenced test is a state standards test that reports mastery of particular skills.