Program Evaluation
Program Evaluation Resources

	PDF format SMART Cards [pdf 245K]

SMART Cards for SMART Objectives

Objectives should be SMART— Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-phased.

Objectives are statements that describe results to be achieved and how they will be achieved.

S = Specific

• SMART objectives are specific.
• Specific objectives provide the who (target population) and what (action/activity) of program activities.
• A specific objective uses only one action verb.

M = Measurable

• SMART objectives are measurable.
• Measurable objectives focus on how much change is expected.
• A measurable objective provides a reference point from which a change in the target population can clearly be measured.

A = Achievable

• SMART objectives are achievable.
• Achievable objectives are attainable given your program’s current resources and constraints.
• An achievable objective is attainable within a given time frame.

R = Realistic

• SMART objectives are realistic.
• Realistic objectives address the scope of the health problem and propose reasonable programmatic steps.
• A realistic objective directly relates to the program goal.

T = Time-phased

• SMART objectives are time-phased.
• Time-phased objectives provide a time frame indicating when the objective will be met.
• A time-phased objective indicates when the objective will be measured.

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Page last reviewed: May 25, 2007
Page last modified: September 25, 2007
Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health

Division of Adolescent and School Health
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Health and Human Services