What is a characteristic of a test that is considered standardized?

A standardized test is characterized by its consistent administration and scoring guidelines. This means that every test-taker is subjected to the same testing conditions, procedures, and scoring criteria. This consistency ensures that the results are comparable across different populations and contexts, making standardized tests a reliable measure for assessing knowledge, skills, and abilities.

By following the same set of procedures, standardized tests provide a structure that minimizes variability due to differing test environments or subjective scoring. This is essential for educators and policymakers, as it allows for fair comparisons of student performance and can be used to evaluate educational programs, inform instruction, and allocate resources effectively.

In contrast, tests designed only for specific age groups or those that support open-ended responses typically do not adhere to the rigorous criteria that define standardization. Tests built on individual teacher preferences also lack the consistency and objectivity necessary to be deemed standardized, as these might reflect personal biases rather than a uniform metric for assessment.