Provides results on overall level of executive function, as well as specific strengths and weaknesses.

Jack A. Naglieri, Ph. Dl and Sam Goldstein, Ph. D.

• Age Range:  5-18 years
• Time:  15 minutes
• Restricted Use:  Level B

Executive function is important for problem solving and reasoning.  Problems with executive function can often make simple tasks challenging. CEFI results are useful in diagnostic evaluations; intervention strategies; response-to-intervention programs; IEPs; treatment and monitoring plans, and in research environments.

The CEFI was developed to measure a wide spectrum of behaviors associated with executive function.  In addition to the full-scale score, it utilizes nine scales to pinpoint targets for intervention. The CEFI is the most representative nationally-standardized behavior rating scale of executive function.

With 100 items on a Likert-type scale (90 among the CEFI Scales and 10 on Positive and Negative Impression Scales), the CEFI offers Parent (5-18 years) Teacher (5-18 years) and Self-Report (12-18 years) forms. 

The nine Executive Function Scales are:

• ATTENTION—How well a youth can avoid distractions, concentrate on tasks and sustain attention.
• EMOTIONAL REGULATION—Control and management of emotions.
• FLEXIBILITY—Describes how well a youth can adapt to circumstances, including problem-solving ability.
• INHIBITORY CONTROL—Control over behavior or impulses.
• INITIATION—Ability to begin tasks, or projects, without being prompted.
• ORGANIZATION—How well a youth manages personal effects, work or multiple tasks.
• PLANNING—How well a youth develops, and implements, strategies to accomplish tasks.
• SELF-MONITORING—Describes a youth’s self-evaluation of performance or behavior.
• WORKING MEMORY—How well the youth can keep important information in mind, to know what to do and how to do it.  Includes remembering important things, instructions and steps.

Results provide information, not only on overall level of executive function, but also on specific strengths and weaknesses among the nine CEFI Scales.  This makes it possible to pinpoint targets for intervention, even if scores on all of the CEFI Scales are uniformly below average. 

In the Interpretive Report, intervention strategies are provided for below-average areas of executive function.  The analysis indicates whether there are strengths, such that these strengths can be utilized in targeting executive function behaviors with which the child has trouble.

Administration and Scoring

The CEFI can be administered and scored, using QuikScore Forms, or with paper completion and automated Software Scoring.  Spanish CEFI materials are also available in the same, two formats.

The CEFI Complete Scoring Software Kit includes the CEFI Scoring Software Program (USB Key) and 25 each of the CEFI Self-Report, Parent and Teacher Response Forms.  The QuikScore CEFI  Complete Kit includes 25 each of the Self-Report, Parent and Teacher QuikScore Forms and a Manual. Parent and Teacher Forms are for ages 5-18 years.  Self-Report Forms are for ages 12-18 years.