Basic precepts for test development are described and explained as they are presented in measurement textbooks commonly used in the fields of education and psychology. The five building blocks discussed as the foundation of well-constructed tests are: (1) specification of purpose; (2) standard conditions; (3) consistency; (4) validity; and (5) practicality. When these foundations are established, the actual test can be constructed taking each of these areas into account. Before the test items are constructed, it is important to consider issues related to item difficulty. True/false, multiple-choice, matching, short-answer, and essay test items can be considered for specific purposes. Once the initial pool of test items is assembled, item revision, pretests, and item analyses can be conducted. (Contains 16 references.) (SLD)