Testing guidelines based on teachers' experience and on a review of literature concerning approaches to the testing of oral second language skills, are presented in this paper. Considerations in developing the test included coordination with the syllabus, choice of format, grading, and administration. Suggestions are offered from the practices of an individual instructor. A weighted rating scale consisting of five major criteria (communication, grammatical accuracy, fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation) is also presented. A brief bibliography is included, and lists of possible test formats for one speaker and interactive formats for two speakers are appended. (MSE)