Sample Table of Specifications (TOS) for Exams

A Table of Specifications (TOS) for exams is needed, so that there’s distribution of the questions based on their percentages in your syllabus or lesson plan. 

You will be assigning these percentages (weights) according to the importance of the topic as reflected in the units assigned to each topic.

A sample TOS is presented below:

Let’s say your exam topic is Physiology, and have these assigned percentages:

Integumentary system = 20%

Circulatory system = 30%

Respiratory system = 25%

Excretory system = 25%

For a total of 100%

NOTE:

If you decide to have a 150-item exam, you can solve the number of items for each topic by multiplying the 150 with the percentage converted to a digit number.

Examples are below:

For Integumentary = 150 X 0.20 (20%) = 30 items

For Circulatory = 150 X 0.30 (30%) = 45 items

For Respiratory = 150 X 0.25 (25%) = 37.5 items (since this is not a whole number, you can make this 37 items)

For excretory = 150 X 0.25 (25%) = 37.5 items (since this is not a whole number you can convert this to 38 items)

Now, you decide what type of questions you’ll be asking based on the skill needed for your topics and the objective you have set for your subject. You distribute now the number of items per type of test. 

You’ll have to use your power of deduction in this distribution. If you think your students need to discuss the topic, then use an essay type of question. If the topic needs simple recall, then use identification.

Here’s a basic example.

Simple Table of Specifications for an Exam in Physiology

Topic	Identification 10 items	Multiple choice 120 items	Essay 20 items	Total Items 150 items	Percentage 100%
Integumentary	2	25	3	30	20%
Circulatory	3	35	7	45	30%
Respiratory	2	31	4	37	25%
Excretory	3	29	6	38	25%
Items	10	120	20	150	100%

For more detailed instructions CLICK HERE.

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