This handbook presents an overview of the New York State Testing Program as well as specific information on the Regents Examinations, Regents Scholarship and College Qualification Test, the Optional High School Achievement Examinations, Basic Competency Tests, New York State Standardized Tests, the Pupil Evaluation Program, Continuing Education Tests, and the High School Equivalency Testing Program. Regents examinations help maintain the high academic standards which New York State high schools provide for pupils with average and above average skills. Statewide Achievement Examinations provide schools with flexible instruments for measuring and certifying the achievement of high school pupils whose abilities, interests, and goals differ from those of pupils in courses leading to Regents examinations. Standardized tests give elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools the means to monitor both pupil achievement and program effectiveness in important skill and subject areas . Optional high school achievement and occupational education tests emphasize to teachers and schools important goals and standards in subjects not covered by Regents and Statewide Achievement Examinations. (MV)