The innovators of a functional level testing program must make decisions in the context of situational factors. There are several decision points involving the important elements of a testing program. Establishing the need for functional level testing is the first decision to be made. A systematic examination of in-level test data will document the exact nature and scope of testing problems and form the foundation for future decisions. The innovators of functional level testing need to generate support for the testing proposal from persons empowered to prevent or facilitate its implementation. The most complex decision is selection of appropriate test levels for students. Test administration procedures may be questioned. Data suggest the feasibility of administering several test levels in one classroom. Scoring and processing procedures should be determined by cost, number of school personnel needed and turn-around time. On-site coordination is essential for the operational success of a functional level testing proposal. A systematic review of test score reliability must be a continuous practice. A feedback loop between the school sites and central office should be developed. References are listed in Appendix A and a series of achievement tests and recommendations for out-of-level testing are included in Appendix B. (DWH)