Benchmark assessments, also frequently called interim assessments, are intended to be something between formative and summative assessments. ... However, unlike summative assessments, the purpose of benchmarking is not to determine content mastery.

What type of assessment is a benchmark?

Benchmark or interim assessment is a comparison of student understanding or performance against a set of uniform standards within the same school year. It may contain hybrid elements of formative and summative assessments, or a summative test of a smaller section of content, like a unit or semester.

Are benchmarks formative or summative?

There is little to no difference between an interim assessment and a benchmark exam. They are both formal tests often given using technology, like Edulastic, to thoroughly and efficiently monitor student progress. Benchmark exams are also formative in that they help teachers drive their future instruction.