The Health Assessment and Teaching Performance Examination (HATPE), a criterion-referenced examination, requires the application of theory and competence in the performance of health assessment and teaching. The HATPE incorporates the theory related to history taking, physical examination and organization of a summary of data as well as the specific technical skills involved in the physical examination. In addition, the candidate is tested on the ability to identify and describe simulated heart and breath sounds. Candidates should be knowledgeable in all of these areas, prepared to take and record history, and perform and record a physical examination on a generally healthy client. The candidate will organize the data in order to develop a plan for nursing action. The HATPE is equivalent to the final examination of a college course in theory and practice of health assessment, requiring knowledge of process and content related to a broad spectrum of client health care problems and nursing responses. This study guide describes and explains critical elements of the examination, and resources/learning activities. The bibliography contains suggested references and study materials including a section which illustrates and describes requirements for each area to be tested. (Author/PN)