The major issues encountered by the testing staff of the Austin Independent School District when changing achievement tests were identified. The 1970 California Achievement Tests were replaced by the district with the 1978 Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The major tasks were selection of a new instrument and securing funds to purchase it. However, during the transition, many smaller decisions must be made. The first is a determination that the old test is useless. A new test must be selected and money for its purchase secured. All staff concerned should be notified of the change. The curriculum should be reviewed before the new test is selected. Criteria and prerequisites must be updated. Changes in norming dates and test content need to be considered as well as revised forms and procedures. New reports should be designed for test scores. Staff must be trained in the use of the new instrument. Longitudinal comparisons should be resolved. The processing and scoring system should be redesigned. Old materials should be completely discarded and security measures should be prepared so that the access to tests is limited. Effective planning and a successful transition can occur if these lesser decisions are anticipated. (DWH)