One of the modern challenges in the field of written examination construction is the understanding of the difference in the success of different groups of examinees on individual items. Understanding these differences is of particular importance in high-stakes examinations such as the state final examinations. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the results between examinees from different dialectal regions (Čakavian, Kajkavian and Štokavian) on the Croatian language state final examination items which were related to the texts written in the Čakavian dialect. Based on a comparison of the average results on items related to Čakavian texts and an analysis of differential item functioning and differential bundle functioning, very small differences were found in favor of examinees from the Čakavian region in comparison to examinees from the Kajkavian and Štokavian region. Based on these findings, the professional discussion on the Croatian language examination resulted in a recommendation to continue using authentic texts in Čakavian, Kajkavian and Štokavian dialects in Croatian language state final examinations in which all dialects should be equally represented to ensure equal treatment of all candidates regardless of their native dialect.

state final examination, Croatian language, Čakavian dialect, differential item functioning, differential bundle functioning