Alternative grading systems have emerged to address challenges associated with points-based grading systems. These challenges include, but are not limited to, a misalignment between the LOs students achieve and their final course grade, a student focus on achieving a grade due to the influence of external rather than internal motivators, and a rise in student stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Specifications grading systems have been gaining popularity as one of the alternative systems that have emerged in the hopes of mitigating some of the challenges associated with points-based grading systems. The findings in this review indicate that publications on the design and implementation of specifications grading continue to grow, with the majority of publications occurring in STEM fields (chemistry, engineering, computer science, and mathematics) and in small courses (≤ 35 students), although examples across all course sizes and a wide variety of disciplines do exist. Grade bundles, rubrics with specifications and defined passing thresholds, opportunities to revise and resubmit work, and a token system are the four structural components of specifications grading systems and are found to be incorporated in a variety of ways.