Adults in four North Carolina counties were surveyed to determine public attitudes about the high school minimum competency test (MCT) that determines which students receive a diploma. The interview form consisted of 18 questions with 5-point Likert response scale. Four additional questions requested specific responses. Interviewers were seven educators from the community who received training before collecting the data. They randomly selected homes and interviewed one adult occupant in each. The 150 subjects were predominantly female (n=105) and 95 had children under 18 years of age. The respondents were generally supportive of the MCT, but lacked a clear understanding of its purpose. Overall, the respondents believed that the competency examination was achieving its perceived purpose of enhancing academic achievement and providing incentive for improved performance. The public also supported the use of remedial programs for students who fail the test. Seventy percent of the respondents thought that the mentally retarded and learning disabled should not have to meet the same requirements as non-handicapped students. The respondents believed that the MCT and the Tests of General Educational Development are similar. Respondents also believed that the MCT covered the entire high school curriculum; they did not understand it as requiring only the mastery of basic skills needed to function at a minimum level in society. Three tables present survey results. (SLD)