With the introduction of teaching quality audits, attention is being directed towards methods of assessment. In the present study students were asked what qualities they perceived in continuous assessment and examinations. This was considered important in light of the view that assessment techniques can be used to motivate students. It appeared that in many respects students regarded the former as being fairer, and measuring a greater range of abilities. The main findings were that students' reactions varied according to age and gender, but that overall the view was that continuous assessment should not be involved in much more than half of their grade measurement.