Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRT) and Norm-Referenced Tests (NRT) are two types of

assessments that measure performance, but relative to different criteria. Additionally, scores are
reported in different formats, interpreted differently and target different content.
Norm-referenced refers to standardized tests that are designed to compare and rank test takers
in relation to one another. Norm-referenced tests report whether test takers performed better or
worse than a hypothetical average student, which is determined by comparing scores against the
performance results of a statistically selected group of test takers, typically of the same age or
grade level, who have already taken the exam.
For Example, If a student scored better than everybody else that took the test, it would be
equivalent to an athlete getting the gold medal in the Olympics. It's important to note that norm-
referenced testing doesn't necessarily accurately show student learning and mastery of skills. It
simply shows how a student stacks up against other students that have taken the test. This is why
it is generally important to have a large sample pool of students taking this kind of test.
Criterion-referenced testing attempts to measure the skills and knowledge that a student has
mastered. Generally, the score is given as a percentage. Criterion-referenced test results are often
based on the number of correct answers provided by students, and scores might be expressed as a
percentage of the total possible number of correct answers.
For example, if a test has 100 questions, and the student gets 99 of them correct, the student
scores a 99%. This kind of test can be given to small groups or large groups because it isn't
comparing students to each other. The test is assessing student learning against predetermined
criteria or learning standards. Generally speaking, tests and quizzes that a classroom teacher
gives to classes over the course of the school year are this kinds of test.
The difference between Criterion and Norm-referenced testing is mainly the way in which the
data is analyzed and used after getting the scores back.
The NRT (Norm-Referenced Test) takes the information produced by the student data and
compares the performance of the student with that of other test takers that have already taken that
same test.
That group of students is called the "norm" group, which could also be considered as a form of
"control" group.
The scores of NRTs are often presented in percentages or percentiles.
It is mostly a placement and a comparison type of testing. An example of an NRT is the SAT.
Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRTs) are tests that determine the mastery of the student in a
specific skill. The skill is what is referred to as the "criterion."
Since these tests seek for mastery, they are often given to people seeking specific certification, or
endorsement for which the CRT data will show the mastery on a specific skill.
Scores are reported as pass/fail, and not in percentiles.
Cut-offs for pass/fail scores are determined by test administrators.
An example of a CRT is the Washington State MSPs (Measurement of Student Progress) which
was used to comply with NCLB.
 It should be noted that norm-referenced tests cannot measure the learning achievement or
progress of an entire group of students, but only the relative performance of individuals
within a group. For this reason, criterion-referenced tests are used to measure whole-group
performance.