Kuwait University initially developed a new English placement test for students to help upgrade English language instruction throughout the country's educational system, through diagnosis of relative English proficiency levels of all secondary school graduates, determination of suitable admissions criteria for all higher education institutions, and appropriate placement of new college students. At first the target population was the approximately 22,000 secondary school students graduating annually, and test content was based on the text series used in the schools. Feasibility considerations reduced the target population to 3,000-3,500 entering Kuwait University students. The test included three parts: grammatical structure, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. A four-option multiple-choice format was selected for all three, based on careful consideration of its limitations and potential. Language center staff wrote items according to test-content specifications and item-writing guidelines. A bank of almost 2,000 new items was pre-tested and refined, and the first full-length form was piloted at the university in 1987, then administered to secondary school students. Results were quite varied, and revealed patterns in proficiency and college admission. Subsequent test development has allowed further refinement of items and content. All participants in the development process benefitted. Statistical results are appended. (MSE)