The Department of Communication at the University of Oklahoma has developed a test of communication competencies to be administered to potential undergraduate business majors. In developing their list of competencies, department members were aided by previous work by the Speech Communication Association in identifying five broad categories of communication competence and 22 minimal communication competencies that children should have. Before determining their own list of competencies, department members identified topics covered in basic college communication courses, as determined by national surveys. They then examined and rejected two methods for assessing communication competencies (behavioral assessment and psychometric devices), deciding instead to use indirect measurement through written testing. The development of the written test was divided into four phases. In the first phase, department members identified six communication categories to be tested: formal speaking skills, development of arguments, analysis of messages, spontaneous communication skills, management of communication, and communication apprehension. The second phase focused on development of test items, the first pretest, and analysis of items. The third phase involved the revision of the test, the second pretest, and analysis of items. In the fourth phase, department members planned for further test revisions. (GT)