WGU assessments
Performance Assessment vs Objective Assessment at WGU
Students search this every term. Here is the plain-English difference — and how to prep if your course uses an OA.
Quick comparison
Objective Assessment (OA)
- Usually a proctored exam
- Often multiple-choice or scenario questions
- Pass = you demonstrated the competencies
- Best prep: practice quizzes that match exam style
Performance Assessment (PA)
- Usually a written project or task
- Papers, portfolios, tasks, rubrics
- Graded against a rubric, not a timed exam room
- Best prep: course materials + clear writing to the rubric
You do not pick OA or PA for fun — your course of study assigns it. Some degrees mix both across different courses.
What is a WGU pre-assessment?
For many OA courses, you must pass a pre-assessment before you can schedule the real OA. Treat it as a diagnostic: note weak competencies, then drill those topics until you are confident.
Sage Quest quests are built for that drill loop — course-code practice you can try before signing in.
How Sage Quest helps OA prep
Open your course page (example: D080 or browse all WGU courses). Click Try this quest — no sign-in, finish a run, then create an account if you want XP and saved progress.
Sage Quest is independent study help — not affiliated with WGU, and not an exam dump.