After reviewing the history and evolution of criterion referenced tests and citing the writings of other researchers, the author summarizes the current state of criterion referenced tests. They are used to measure an individual's status with respect to a well-defined behavior domain; the behavior domain can be well-ordered, structured, or sequential; domain referenced tests are also criterion referenced; criterion referenced tests are not necessarily also domain referenced; specified performance standards are not integral to criterion referenced tests; criterion referenced tests will not replace norm referenced tests; and criterion referenced tests are a panacea, rather than a Pandora's box. (MH)