Issues related to ability testing and affirmative action are discussed, including the fair use of tests in academic and occupational selection, the effects of testing upon the tested individual, and implications of the issues for the major participants. Types and functions of ability tests, both aptitude and achievement, are described. Studies of test fairness or bias or adverse impact are cited, generally indicating similar patterns of prediction for various ethnic and socioeconomic groups, in spite of differences in mean scores. A number of different models of fair selection are contrasted. The use of test scores by institutions to make decisions about individuals is discussed and contrasted with the possibility of the use of test scores by individuals for the enhancement of self understanding and self respect. The implications of the use of these selection instruments and selection procedures are discussed as they refer to the test maker, the test user, and the test taker. (CTM)