Curriculum Based Evaluation (CBE) can be utilized as part of a comprehensive programmatic assessment system for preparation of special education teacher candidates. The paper provides an overview of the following: (1) rationale for the use of a curriculum-based assessment system to measure on-going acquisition of specific content knowledge; (2) development of the instrument; and (3) discussion of the use of the system for candidate support. The assessment is a curriculum-based vocabulary assessment, based upon the theoretical proposition that vocabulary is an indication of content knowledge. The results showed that the use of the assessment can be helpful in the identification of candidates in need of additional support in a timely manner.