By describing what is to be assessed and how to assess it, assessment frameworks play a pivotal role in testing programs. This technical memo discusses how large-scale assessment sponsors initiate, conduct, or commission to develop, review, or update assessment frameworks. We enumerate the elements of assessment processes, classifying all the decisions relevant to shaping framework processes. We conclude that a sound principle of best practice in this area is for test sponsors to know the framework process elements/components and their associated options. Moreover, they should be deliberate in their specification of requirements for contractors or other external parties.
