The effectiveness of test adaptation based on item selection and reordering of a Spanish (Mexican) version of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) was examined. Translated forms were administered to a sample of Mexican students. One item from each pair (A and B) was selected and reordered using a priori rules. The revised instrument was administered to a new cross-validation sample. Findings confirmed the cost effectiveness of this technique for improving reliability and validity over simple translation or the creation of completely new items for populations of different culture and language. (Author)