Which assessment refers to a previous test result when calculating progress?

• A. Formative assessment
• B. Norm-referenced assessment
• C. Ipsative assessment
• D. Summative assessment

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is measuring progress by comparing a learner’s current performance to their own previous results. This self-referenced approach is called Ipsative assessment. It focuses on personal growth over time—using a baseline measure and tracking improvements against it, like retesting and noting how much a skill or score has improved since the last attempt. The other options don’t fit this idea: formative assessment is about ongoing checks and feedback to guide learning, not specifically about progress against one’s own past results; norm-referenced assessment compares a student to peers; and summative assessment evaluates achievement at the end of a period.