Good assessment information provides accurate measurement of learner outcomes and enables teachers to make appropriate decisions regarding subsequent course content and lesson delivery. The first important characteristic of good assessment is validity. Does the assessment tool actually measure what it is intended to measure and does it permit a useful analysis of the student's skills and abilities? A second important characteristic of good assessment is reliability. Can the assessment results be replicated at some other time, using different measurement tools, or when scored by different raters?
Assessment should have a clear purpose. It should be clear what is being assessed and how conclusions are considered and acted upon. It should enable the learner to review their progress and plan for further learning. It should also be subject to its own internal self-examination to promote increased teaching effectiveness.