This handbook resulted from a project to develop a tape-based alternative test of language proficiency in less commonly taught languages. The objective was to produce a test that is modeled on and readily interpretable by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages/Interagency Language Roundtable (ACTFL/ILR) proficiency guidelines and that can serve as an alternative to the live interview in situations where the interview is not financially or administratively feasible. The handbook documents and provides commentary on the development and validation activities carried out in producing a tape-based test for Chinese. Sufficient depth and detail are provided to serve as a general guide for the preparation of similar tests in other less commonly taught languages. The conceptual and practical questions addressed in the handbook may be applicable to other languages even though different languages may present somewhat different measurement needs. A questionnaire for participants in the Chinese Speaking Test Study is appended. (MSE)