This paper discusses issues in implementing an assessment center in educational management programs at the university level. The assessment center would be used to determine the ability of a student to perform the management work of the principal. Practical work experience should be included as an integral part of an educational management course at the postgraduate level. The following steps for developing an assessment center are discussed: analyze needs; define objectives; secure faculty commitment; analyze job components; analyze organizational climate; develop operating procedures; train assessors; implement the program; develop a postassessment program; and reassess. Costs and values of establishing an assessment center are identified. A conclusion is that an assessment center can play an important role in university-level administrator-education programs and that universities should be prepared to provided competency-based training for their students. Postgraduate education in educational management should qualify students in both theoretical and management competencies. However, other personal qualities valuable for effective leadership--such as community-relations skills, integrity, and professional calling--are hard to measure and should also be considered. Contains 22 references. (LMI)