Which statement best describes standard-based rating?

• A. Ranks relative to colleagues
• B. Compares to defined criteria
• C. Based on seniority
• D. Ignores criteria

Answer: (B)

Evaluating performance against clearly defined criteria. In standard-based rating, you judge how well someone meets specific, described expectations or benchmarks—often laid out in a rubric or set of performance descriptors. This focuses on whether the employee’s skills, behaviors, and results align with what the job requires, providing objective, trackable criteria for feedback and development. It supports consistency across raters because everyone refers to the same standards, rather than making subjective judgments about who is better or worse than colleagues.

The other approaches don’t fit this concept: ranking by colleagues compares performance relative to others rather than to the expected standards; basing on seniority relies on time in the role rather than demonstrated capability; and ignoring criteria means assessments aren’t anchored to any defined expectations.