Functions and

Construction of a Table of
Specification (TOS)
MeEvalEd

Rose Sheila Anislag-Roque

What is a Table of Specification?
It is a chart which describes the topics to be covered by a test
and the number of items or points which will be associated
with each topic.
(Chase, C.I., 1999)

It is sometimes referred to as test blue print, is a table

that helps teachers align objectives, instruction, and
assessment.
(Alade, O.M., 2014)
Functions of a Table of Specification (TOS)

 It identifies the achievement domains being

measured
 It ensures that a fair and representative
sample of questions appear on the test
Functions of a Table of Specification (TOS)
 It allows the teacher to construct a test which focuses on
the key areas and weighs those areas according to their
importance (since the teacher cannot measure every
topic or objective and cannot ask every question they
might wish to ask).
 It provides the teacher with evidence that a test has
content validity (that it covers what should be covered)
Functions of
 3 Basic Elements of Constructing a TOS:
(1) Content:
1.1 Topics/Lessons – topics & subtopics covered in the teaching-learning process
1.2 Learning Domains- the developmental learning components in the learner
1.3 Learning Objectives- the learning outcomes that a teacher desires with the
learners
(2) Time:
2.1 Instructional Time-minutes/hours allotted to finish the entire topic
2.2 Assessment Time-time allotment for the entire assessment period
(3) Item or Score:
3.1 Domain Items or Scores-max. points given for each item correctly answered
3.2 Total Items or Scores-the perfect score in the entire assessment in all domains
3.3 Domain-Item Distribution-the specific items distributed in each domain of
every topic/lesson
3.4 Total Domain Score-the total max. score allotted in each domain of every
topic/lesson
Steps in Creating a TOS:
1. choosing the measurement, goals, and domain
to be covered
2. breaking the domain into key or fairly
independent parts: concepts, terms,
procedures, applications
3. constructing the table

(Alade, O.M., 2014)

 Steps in Constructing a TOS:
1. Focus on the topics & subtopics covered within the assessment
period.
2. Classify the domains involved in each topic/subtopic from the
learning objectives.
3. Measure the length of time (in minutes or hours) spent for each
topic or subtopics.
4. Calculate the length of time used for each domain in each topic or
subtopic.
5. Construct a draft of items representing each domain in every topic
or subtopic.
6. Estimate the length of time that an “average” learner is able to
finish each item.
7. Secure the administrative time allotment for the assessment.
 Steps in Constructing a TOS:
8. Determine the total number of items/scores for the entire assessment
period with respect to time in step 6.
9. Select the proper items from draft in step 5.
10. Specify the length of time an “average” learner is able to finish the
entire assessment.
11. Find the ratio between the time spent for each topic/subtopic in steps
3 & 4 and the total time for assessment in step 7.
12. Take the proportion of the ratio obtained in step 11 and the total
number of items or scores obtained in step 8, to obtain the total
scores/items per lesson/topic.
13. Reconcile and distribute the weight/score of each item with time.
14 Finalize the items in each domain of every topic/lesson.
15. Distribute the items proportionately in every learning domain as to
assessment type, either in objective/essay.
A Comprehensive Table of Specification
 THANK YOU
for listening 
 References
Olade, O.M. (2014). Table of Specification and It’s Relevance in Educational
Development Assessment. European Journal of Educational and
Development Psychology Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 1-17.Published by European
Centre for Research Training and Development UK (www.eajournals.org)
Buenaflor, Roberto C. (2012). Assessment of Learning Book One: The
Conventional Approach. Quezon City: Great Books Publishing.
Borich, G. and Tom Kubiszyn (2000). Educational Testing and Measurement:
Classroom Application and Practice. 6th Edition. United States. John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.