The Nevada Proficiency Examination Program was established by legislative mandate in 1977. It consists of two major assessment efforts: administration of a nationally normed test to grades 3, 6, and 9; and the testing of all 11th graders in reading, writing, and mathematics. Students must pass all three examinations as a precondition for receiving a standard high school diploma. Results for these components are presented in separate sections for the 1989-90 school year. The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS) were used in grades 3, 6, and 9 in Nevada for the first time in 1989-90; and writing in grade 9 was assessed with a test developed by the state. Consistencies that can be gleaned from the data for the first year of CTBS use are generally positive. Nevada public school students scored at a higher level than their counterparts in the norm group on all norm-referenced measures in the three grades. Ninety percent of the students met or exceeded the criteria of the writing test. On the Nevada High School Proficiency Examination, more students than expected achieved the required 90%. Writing results indicate a high level of proficiency relative to the criteria established. Results for students who retook the examinations after failing them at least once indicate that less than 1% of Nevada's public high school students fail to receive a standard diploma due to their inability to pass these examinations. Appendices contain statutes and regulatory provisions governing the assessments, the scoring guide for the writing assessment, and common test score scales used in education. Six figures and one table of test results are provided. (SLD)