Angoff Standard Setting
The Angoff method is a test-centered procedure for establishing a passing score (cut score) on an examination. A panel of content experts conceptualizes a 'borderline' or minimally competent examinee and, for each item, estimates the probability that such an examinee would answer it correctly. Summing those probabilities yields a recommended cut score for each panelist, and averaging across panelists and discussion rounds produces the performance standard. It is among the most widely used standard-setting methods in licensure, certification, and K-12 testing.
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Sources
- Cizek, G. J., & Bunch, M. B. (2007). Standard Setting: A Guide to Establishing and Evaluating Performance Standards on Tests. Sage. ISBN: 9781412916820
- Angoff, W. H. (1971). Scales, norms, and equivalent scores. In R. L. Thorndike (Ed.), Educational Measurement (2nd ed., pp. 508–600). American Council on Education. ISBN: 9780827230309
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 22). Angoff Method for Setting Performance Standards on Tests. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/education/angoff-standard-setting
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