Inspired by four recent decisions to change achievement tests used in the Austin Independent School District, the separate forms used and procedures followed have been combined into a systematic approach intended for use in future achievement test selections. A rating scale (Attachment 1) was developed to expedite a systematic comparison among possible achievement tests, and to allow a weighting of the factors to be rated according to the school system's needs. Five groups of experts (parents, teachers and principals, testing staff, central administration, and the board of trustees) have varying responsibility for rating the five factors critical to making the best choice: technical soundness; logical feasibility; instructional validity; financial affordability; and interpretational ease. The Fatal Flaw Principle (occurring when an essential factor is rated unacceptable) can eliminate a test outright, and the Shoo-In Principle (occurring when a clearly superior rating is given on a critical factor) will select a single test outright. An outline of eight procedural steps for the selection process and the contexts in which they are appropriate is attached. (BS)