What is a Major Field Test in Criminal Justice?

For those entering into the field of Criminal Justice, there is a lot of education to be had, and tests to be taken. And one of the most important exams is the Major Field Test. But what is it, exactly, and what is the importance of this particular test?

The Major Field Test, or MFT, is a test that most colleges and universities use as a way to gauge the achievement of their students in their specific major; in this case, the study of Criminal Justice. It allows for those reviewing the results of the test to evaluate the progress of the students, to predict the possible outcomes of their majors based on their growth in education, and to determine the helpfulness and teaching of their curricula in the classes. The test also provides for each student an assessment of their personal achievement in comparison with other students and the national information.

History of The Major Field Test

The History and Revisions of the MFT- The Major Field Tests were first developed back in 1989. They were based off of seeing the Graduate Record Examinations Subject Test, or GRE Subject Test. These tests were given to predict the success of graduate school. The MFT does not do that, but rather is a means to evaluate the basic understanding and knowledge of undergraduates in their particular field of study. According to ETS, Major Field Tests are updated approximately every five years. The Content and Taking of the  MFT consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Each question is for the purpose of determining the mastery each student has over the concepts and principles of their specific subject.  This combination of all 150 questions is meant to cover everything learned over the course of their studies. The time for the test is 2 hours. However, there is the option of adding 50 locally written questions to the test, and this may cause the time to be extended.
Here are 3 sample questions for the Criminal Justice MFT:

1. The primary reason for traffic law enforcement is to
(A) improve the public image of the policy
(B) raise money
(C) provide emergency assistance
(D) prevent accidents
(E) emphasize equity in law enforcement

2. The management and administration of the majority of law enforcement agencies is the
responsibility of
(A) the Fraternal Order of Police
(B) the Congress
(C) the Supreme Court
(D) state governments
(E) local governments

3. The law of retaliation is also know as
(A) mens rea
(B) scienter
(C) mala in se
(D) lex talionis
(E) lex apparens

The Major Field Test is a critical way to evaluate the teaching and learning of the students in any subject. This multiple-choice exam can be a true test of the hard-work and studying that any student puts into their schoolwork, and the honor of passing it is truly a testimony to the work ethic of the student.