Which examination is cited as an example of a criterion-referenced test?

• A. TOEFL exam
• B. IELTS
• C. GRE
• D. SAT

Answer: (A)

Criterion-referenced testing measures whether a test-taker has achieved a predefined level of ability, rather than how they compare to others. The TOEFL is designed to determine if someone meets a fixed English-proficiency standard for academic study, using cut scores and descriptors that signal whether the required level is reached. This focus on meeting specific criteria, not ranking peers, is what makes it an example of criterion-referenced testing. Other exams are typically interpreted relative to the performance of other test-takers or use broader band descriptors, which aligns more with norm-referenced or general ability assessments.