The State of New York Agriculture Science Education secondary program is required to have a certification exam for students to assess their agriculture science education experience as a Regent's requirement towards graduation. This paper focuses on the procedure used to develop and validate two content sub-test questions within a Criterion-Reference Test (CRT) framework. It highlights the theoretical and historical underpinnings of CRT design and focuses on the implementation of this method to develop an item bank for plant and animal systems. Findings emphasize the steps followed in CRT process and share some of the benefits and limitations of this method to develop a valid and reliable examination. This procedure can be used to inform career and technical education fields, as they are currently experiencing a rise in accountability systems as a component of their programs.