This article discusses the use of assessment in the learning process, the need for their application in the system of modern updated educational content, as well as the impact on the effectiveness of the educational process. The article also indicates the importance of the application of criteria-based assessment, its principles, and the tripartite significance of criteria-based assessment: for the teacher, student and parents. Criterion assessment is the process of correlating the learning outcomes actually achieved by students with the expected learning outcomes, based on clearly defined criteria. The aim of introducing criteria-based assessment is to improve the quality of education in schools, to identify the knowledge of school graduates with international standards. The article provides examples of tasks of formative and summative assessment on the History of Kazakhstan. Conclusions are made about the results of the use of criteria-based assessment and their elements in the educational process