A project to develop and validate a tape-based alternative to the interview-based speaking proficiency test is described. The objective was to produce an economically more viable test for less commonly taught languages, closely modeled on and readily interpretable in terms of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages/Interagency Language Roundtable (ACTFL/ILR) proficiency guidelines. The process involved development of four test versions for Chinese and comparison of a representative student sampling's pilot test results with results obtained with the ACTFL/ILR interview and rating procedure. Validation results showed a substantial correspondence between scores on the tape-based test and the live interview results, supporting the taped test as an appropriate and effective alternative to the live interview in situations where use of the latter is not financially or administratively feasible. The description of the test development and validation process which makes up most of the document consists chiefly of detailed explanations of the 34 statistical tables and 9 figures which are included and which display the basic data of the study. (MSE)