Definition of "grading"

He had no fear of Keefer's higher military rank. He was sure the communicator laughed at such gradings.

1951, Herman Wouk, The Caine Mutiny

No matter how dubious, or even fictitious, examination gradings may sometimes be, they make judgements possible on educational progress and on the maintenance of standards.

2003, Peter Jarvis, Colin Griffin, Adult and Continuing Education: Liberal adult education (part 1)