There are two different types of assessment: Objective and Subjective.

Objective assessments are those for which an exact mark can be awarded according to a precise rule. The competitor is either awarded the mark or is not. Thus the award for an objective Aspect is either a mark as specified within the Aspect definition or zero. In some cases it is possible to vary the mark award on an exact formula - for example where a tolerance is given it would be acceptable to award part marks at one level of achieved tolerance and higher marks for reaching a better tolerance level. This information can be applied to an 'Aspect' by using additional lines (Add) of marking instructions.

Subjective assessments are those where the mark awarded depends on the personal opinion of a group of judges. This type of marking usually involves an assessment of personal skill or creative ability. It is a form of Aesthetic assessment. The judges, individually and without discussion with their colleagues, decide the scores they will award for each Aspect of Criterion (on a scale of 1 to 10). The marking group then get together as a team and every judge in the group displays, at a suitable signal, a score card according to his/her opinion of the quality of the item. The team must mark ALL competitors for the aspects they are assessing.