The Nevada Department of Education implemented a standard setting study of the Pre-Professional Skills Tests. The tests constitute a secure test battery developed by the Educational Testing Service to assess basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics via three multiple-choice tests and a written essay test. The Nevada study, in the spring of 1985, involved review of the tests by a validating panel nominated by administrators of public school districts, private schools, and institutions of higher education. Panelists were asked to judge each test item in relation to its ability to measure job-related skills, the opportunity of the typical candidate to learn the skill measured, and the predicted number of marginally qualified candidates able to correctly answer the item. The Angoff method was used to determine passing scores. Study results indicate that the overall averages for reading, mathematics, and writing test items considered as capable of testing essential skills were 64.1, 51.4 and 41.4 percent, respectively. Responses concerning the relevance of essay skills were related to the minority versus non-minority status of the panelists. Overall, the results support the validity of the tests for use in Nevada. State universities have included the tests and associated cut-scores in their admissions criteria. Study survey instruments are appended. (TJH)