Bracken test: Design and Standards

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - July 30th, 2012

The Bracken test is a standardized test given to children as young as 2 ½ years old to 2^nd graders, given to determine the child’s readiness for school. Test results of such even comprise the bulk of the decision when determining whether a child is eligible enough to be accepted in special programs for gifted children.

The Bracken test is designed with 6 assessment skills included in the exam:

• Color – identification of the color presented visually
• Letters – letters should be recognized by the child in their upper or lower case as presented
• Numbers and Counting – the child should be able to count from 1-99 and be able to identify numbers of single digits form those of double digit numbers
• Sizes – the size should be amply identified by the child (e.g. tall, wide, short)
• Comparisons – objects should be matched accordingly based on the characteristics given
• Shapes – basic shapes should be duly recognized and easily identified by the child

The Bracken test takes almost an hour and a half. However, the Bracken test is mostly administered with no time limit as it depends solely on the child and its ability to finish the exam in his own time.