Psychological testing has played a major role in the American Psychological Association (APA) because testing and assessment are important aspects of what psychologists do; tests assist psychologists in diagnosis and treatment. From its earliest years, APA has had one or more committees concerned with testing. The present Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessment (CPTA) has played an important part in developing standards for various kinds of psychological tests. The nine-member CPTA is the only committee reporting to more than one parent board at the APA. APA recognizes the importance of testing to the public and has been instrumental in the development of the "Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests." APA sponsored the meeting from which the Joint Committee on Testing Practices (JCTP) grew. The JCTP is a means by which test publishers and professional organizations can work together to improve the use of tests in assessment and appraisal. While APA will continue to provide staff support, JCTP will better represent all testing professionals by not being dependent on any one group. The JCTP can take on projects to benefit all parties in testing, while remaining free of the controversial policy and psychometric issues APA must consider. (SLD)