This paper explains the multifacet technology for analyzing performance examinations and the fair average method of setting criterion standards. The multidimensional nature of performance examinations requires that multiple and often different facets elements of a candidate's examination form be accounted for in the analysis. After this is accomplished, all candidate ability estimates are located on the same scale. The fair average standard setting method, while substantially different from more traditional methods, provides a criterion standard in a score metric that is easy for most people to understand. Yet, it accounts for the influence of the particular facets elements in each test form, and can be used to establish a pass point that applies appropriately to all candidates regardless of the raters or tasks or problems on each candidate's examination. Performance examinations are extremely complex because of the number of possible examination forms that may occur during an administration. The technology provided by computer programs, as exemplified by the FACETS program, is essential to sorting out the impact of each facet element on candidate scores and setting a criterion standard that accounts for the impact of all examination facets. (Contains two figures, three tables, and nine references.) (Author/SLD)