- CRTs are different from other standardized tests because they do not measure a student's knowledge against other students. Instead of this, CRTs measure a student's knowledge compared to the knowledge the student should have. These tests are ideal for students of all ages and offer many benefits to the students and teachers.
- Teachers often give classroom CRT tests to test the students' knowledge. CRT tests help test knowledge in particular subjects. Through these tests, teachers obtain an understanding of the educational levels of the students. Generally, a CRT test measures knowledge against specific objectives or learning outcomes. If a teacher measures the level of algebra the students are at, she gives a CRT that contains questions relating to algebra. It is limited to questions that cover information the students should have already learned. The teacher then takes the scores and determines if the majority of students are at the appropriate levels.
- CRT tests also help teachers differentiate teaching instruction to groups of students. A teacher might want to divide his class into two sections; one for the advanced students and one for the other students. An ideal way to do this is with a CRT. By doing this, students are placed in a section of algebra that is more appropriate for their levels. The test will outline each student's strengths and weaknesses; which will help the teacher divide the class in the best way.
- If a teacher must issue a CRT to her class at the end of the school year that measures the student's learning compared to objectives, it often helps the teacher understand what to teach. If the teacher has a list of objectives at the beginning of the year, she can focus on teaching those specific things to students. The CRT will measure how well the students know the objectives that they should.