Test Blueprint

Once you know the learning objectives and item types you want to include in your test
you should create a test blueprint. A test blueprint, also known as test specifications,
consists of a matrix, or chart, representing the number of questions you want in your test
within each topic and level of objective. The blueprint identifies the objectives and skills
that are to be tested and the relative weight on the test given to each. The blueprint can
help you ensure that you are obtaining the desired coverage of topics and level of
objective. Once you create your test blueprint you can begin writing your items!
Example: 40 item exam
Objective
B

Remember

Objective
A
1

Objective
C
1

Understand

Apply

Analyze

Evaluate
Create
TOTAL

1
2

Objective TOTAL
D
1
3
(7.5%)
2
7
(17.5%)
4
15
(37.5%)
2
10
(25%)
1
2
(5%)
1
3
(7.5%)
40
(100%)

Once you create your blueprint you should write your items to match the level of
objective within each topic area.