This article presents a historical and contemporary account of Lithuania's national public education assessment system and its transformation since the country's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. We explore how the external examination system has developed in relation to ongoing curriculum reforms over the last 30 years, and how external examinations and standardised testing have taken priority over classroom assessment throughout this period. What becomes clear is that certain political decisions, guided by increased accountability demands, have significantly impacted classroom assessment practices, school cultures, and the mindsets of stakeholders about the role and function of assessment in Lithuania. Finally, we deploy our national and international expertise to recommend some changes to the current education system to make assessment an effective tool to improve student learning.