An approach for developing examinations to assess the proficiency of health care professionals which utilizes a task inventory methodology is described. Examination development is based upon the identification of health care functions which individuals within a specific category of health professional should be skilled in performing. The several hundred entries in the task inventory are organized under headings that correspond to components of the clinical problem-solving process. A subsequent stage in this methodology provides for the assignment of relative priority ratings to these health care functions, so that those receiving a high priority undergo further analysis in order to serve as the basis for the development of examination materials. Priority ratings are determined by judgments regarding the expected frequency with which a health care function is performed and its "criticalness" to optimum health care delivery. Finally, the knowledge and skills components of each health care function receiving a high priority are specified and stated behaviorally. (Author/CK)