This report on the development of the Charleston County School District (South Carolina) U.S. History Area Examination outlines: (1) the preliminary planning activities to initiate the development of the test; (2) the development of test blueprints and test specifications; (3) the review of specifications for clarity, completeness, accuracy, and their subsequent revisions; (4) the item writing process; (5) the review and subsequent revision of test items; (6) a description of pilot testing conducted in 1985-86; (7) the analysis of pilot test data through use of the Item Response Theory (IRT) model to identify "problematic" items; and (8) the field test administration and analysis of the examination, conducted in 1986-87. The report also contains an appendix which includes (1) the original blue print; (2) generic specifications; (3) content supplement matrices cover sheets; (4) Matrix L.0.3--Constitution; (5) addendum to curriculum guide; (6) specifications for skills 1-5; (7) the item review form; (8) background information; (9) the first semester pilot design; (10) teacher comments for first semester pilot; (11) the second semester pilot design; (12) teacher comments for second semester pilot; (13) the informational handout for field test, 1986-87; (14) teacher comments for first semester field test; and (15) teacher comments for second semester field test. (CT)