This book chapter outlines a number of key characteristics crucial to the integrity, utility, and efficiency of a behavioral assessment instrument for community living skills of people with developmental disabilities. In addition to basic psychometric considerations, the paper suggests that the functions of a behavioral assessment instrument could be maximized if the test: (1) is criterion-referenced, (2) can be used as a behavior rating and as a direct testing device, (3) provides objective information useful for programming, (4) is sufficiently wide in scope to meet screening needs, and (5) incorporates instructional aids for staff training. It is hoped that practitioners would view these characteristics as general guidelines for selecting the most appropriate and efficient assessment instrument, and that test developers would view these characteristics as potential features to be incorporated in the future design of behavioral assessment instruments. (27 references) (JDD)