In 1986, the Florida State Legislature passed a law requiring teachers to demonstrate knowledge of their subject areas before being granted teacher certification. The state also provided funding for developing subject area examinations. The generic procedures for developing these examinations are outlined. During the first phase of the project, an Examination Development Committee (EDC) determined which competencies and skills teachers should have in their subject areas. The committee also recommended percentages of the examination to be allocated to each competency and skill. Using the specified competencies, test item specifications were formulated. The second phase of the project entailed the development, testing, and refinement of 480 test items. Once developed by the EDC, items were evaluated by a Validation Committee and external sources. Revised items were computer arranged into five examination forms and administered to first-year teachers and senior-level students enrolled in teacher preparation programs in the state of Florida. Results were analyzed statistically, and final revisions were made. Two tables present examination plans. (Author/SLD)