This paper summarizes some of the issues involved in educational testing. First, it describes four of the fundamental characteristics of tests: whether they are measures of aptitude or achievement, whether they require students to produce or just recognize the best answer, whether they are interpreted in relationship to the scores of other students or in terms of some judgmental standard, and whether they are constructed by teachers in the schools or by some outside agency. Next, it reviews factors contributing to students' test performance, starting with their competence in the areas that the test measures. Other factors include the ability to follow directions and pace oneself, neatness and carefulness, and physical and emotional conditions. Finally, the current controversy about coaching for tests is examined, and the complexity of the issue is stressed. (Author/BW)