Purpose and Objectives

The International Association for Educational Assessment offers a global forum for all those involved in all forms of educational assessment – in primary or secondary schools, colleges or the workplace. Its members include examining bodies, university departments, research organisations and government agencies from more than 50 countries on all continents.

The broad purpose of IAEA is to assist educational agencies in the development and appropriate application of educational assessment techniques to improve the quality of education. IAEA believes that this is best achieved through international cooperation and seeks to facilitate the development of closer ties among relevant agencies and individuals around the world. IAEA believes that such international cooperation can help nations learn from each other without any diminution of their cultural autonomy.

Its primary objectives are:

  • to improve communication among organizations involved in educational assessment by sharing professional expertise through conferences and publications, and by providing a framework within which cooperative research, training, and projects involving educational assessment can be undertaken.
  • to make expertise in assessment techniques more readily available for the solution of educational problems.
  • to cooperate with other agencies having complementary interests.
  • to engage in other activities for the improvement of assessment techniques and their appropriate use by educational agencies around the world.

IAEA has consultative status with UNESCO in the achievement of mutual goals. As a non-governmental organisation (NGO), IAEA plays an active part in UNESCO activities which are increasingly addressing assessment and evaluation issues.

More information about IAEA and details of how to join are contained in the Membership Handbook.