Standardized external testing (SET) began to be implemented in Ukraine in 2008 as an instrument for combating corruption in higher education and ensuring fair university admission. This article examines the conditions and processes that led to the introduction of SET, overviews its implementation over three years (2008-10), analyzes SET and admission-related issues, presents public attitudes toward SET, and, finally, makes a few brief recommendations for further research on SET and national assessment initiatives. (Contains 1 note and 2 tables.)