Three studies assessed the psychometric characteristics of the Direct Standard Setting Method (DSSM). The Angoff technique was also used in each study. The DSSM requires judges to consider an examination 10 items at a time and determine the minimum items in that set a candidate should answer correctly to receive the credential. Nine judges set a passing score for a 100-item portion of a previously administered Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (study 1); six judges set passing scores for the 1987 certification examination for operating room nurses in perioperative practice (study 2); and nine judges set passing scores for the 150-item American Board of Health Physics Written Examination (study 3). Data supported the utility of the DSSM as an absolute passing score procedure. The time required for the DSSM was less than that for the Angoff method. In general, DSSM scores were more variable and less reliable than were Angoff cutting scores. The DSSM's reliability may be improved by the use of larger sets; this and other questions merit further investigation. Ten tables are included. (SLD)