Thorough planning is required before implementing an examination for a high school diploma. It was decided in 1977 that Alabama educators would establish minimum competencies for grades 3, 6, and 9. The competencies for grade 9 then became the skills to be assessed on the Alabama High School Graduation Examination (AHSGE), first given to eleventh graders in the fall of 1983. Students were informed of the examination requirement four years before its implementation. Curriculum validity studies were required, and a number of other issues required decisions. In Alabama, all students who wished to earn a regular high school diploma--including special education students--were required to pass the AHSGE. Special test administration procedures were developed for hearing and visually impaired students. The Alabama Department of Education chose to develop its own test, rather than to use a previously developed test. Procedures and policies were developed to accomodate special situations, while being careful not to set a precedent that might later cause legal or logistical problems. In conclusion, every effort must be made, and documented, to assist students in meeting the criteria required for graduation; both remedial instruction and documented information are important. (GDC)