If you’re new to speech-language pathology, you’ve probably heard the term criterion-referenced test thrown around but might not be entirely sure what it means. Don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Understanding criterion-referenced tests (CRTs) is essential for accurate assessments and goal-setting in speech therapy. In this post, we’ll break down what a CRTs are, how it differs from other types of assessments, and why it matters in speech therapy.
What Is a Criterion-Referenced Test?
A criterion-referenced test (CRT) is an assessment that measures a student’s performance against a specific set of skills or criteria rather than comparing them to a larger group. In other words, CRTs determine whether a student has mastered particular skills without ranking them against their peers.
How CRTs Work
- They assess whether a student can or cannot perform a specific skill.
- They use a fixed standard rather than a percentile ranking.
- Scores are often given as percentages, pass/fail, or skill mastery levels rather than standard scores.
Criterion-Referenced Test vs. Norm-Referenced Test
Many SLPs wonder: How is a criterion-referenced test different from a norm-referenced test? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Criterion-Referenced Test | Norm-Referenced Test |
|---|---|---|
| Measures | Mastery of specific skills | How a child compares to peers |
| Scoring | Pass/fail, percentages, or skill levels | Standard scores, percentiles |
| Purpose | Identifies strengths/weaknesses in specific areas | Determines how a child ranks compared to norms |
| Example | The Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale | Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation |
Simply put, a criterion-referenced test tells you what a child can or cannot do, while a norm-referenced test tells you how they compare to others.
Why Are Criterion-Referenced Tests Important in Speech Therapy?
✅ They Help Identify Specific Skill Gaps
Rather than just giving a standardized score, CRTs pinpoint exactly which speech or language skills a child needs to work on.
✅ They Are Useful for Goal-Setting
Since CRTs focus on specific skills, they help SLPs create clear, measurable IEP goals.
✅ They Show Progress Over Time
CRTs are great for tracking a child’s growth in therapy. Unlike norm-referenced tests, which aren’t meant to be repeated frequently, CRTs can be administered multiple times to measure improvement.
✅ They Are More Individualized
Because they aren’t based on group comparisons, CRTs are often more relevant for children with unique needs, such as those with complex communication disorders.
Examples of Criterion-Referenced Tests in Speech Therapy
Here are a few commonly used CRTs in speech-language pathology:
✔️ The Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale – Assesses preverbal and verbal language development in young children.
✔️ The Functional Communication Profile – Evaluates communication skills in a variety of real-world contexts.
✔️ Language Sample Analysis – Measures expressive language skills based on spontaneous speech.
✔️ The Communication Matrix – Assesses early communicative behaviors, especially for children with severe disabilities.
How to Use Criterion-Referenced Tests in Your SLP Practice
If you’re unsure when to use a CRTs, ask yourself:
🤔 Do I need to compare this child’s skills to their peers?
- Yes → Use a norm-referenced test.
- No → A criterion-referenced test is likely the better option!
CRTs are especially helpful for:
- Developing IEP goals
- Assessing functional communication skills
- Measuring therapy progress
Final Thoughts on Criterion-Referenced Tests
CRTs are valuable tools for speech-language pathologists because they provide specific, actionable data on a child’s skills. Unlike norm-referenced assessments, which compare students to a larger group, CRTs focus on individual performance—making them ideal for goal-setting and progress tracking.
Do you have any favorite criterion-referenced tests or checklists that you use? List them in the comments below. ⬇️
Do you need an articulation assessment checklist to help you make sure you don’t miss anything for your next evaluation? Read this blog post and get the FREE checklist.
