Computer skills objectives have been developed for the 1986 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). These items will be administered to a large number of American students aged 9, 13, and 17 in grades 3, 7, and 11. For this first national assessment of computer skills, it was necessary to consider the existing expertise of school staff, the current curriculum, the rapidly changing nature of computer science, and educators' different definitions of computer competence. Generally, educators agree that students need an exposure to computing that enables them both to experience the power of computing and to use that power to solve significant and interesting problems. Measurement objectives involve both paper-and-pencil tests of cognitive ability, as well as the practical ability to use a computer to solve problems. Three categories of cognitive objectives include knowledge, operation, and problem solving and design. Eight applications areas include word processing, database management, laboratory instrumentation, telecommunications, graphics, music generation, spreadsheets, and models and simulations. Programming objectives involve elements of a language; structures of data and control; and program planning, design, and testing. A number of items are illustrated. Five items are also included to illustrate attitudinal objectives. (GDC)