Abstract
This article discusses issues related to the testing of listening comprehension in the context of the 1986 ACTFL proficiency guidelines (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, 1987). After a review of current research on listening comprehension and development of listening tests, four issues are singled out for more detailed consideration: the meaning ofcontextin listening testing, the concept of criterion-referenced tests, the notion of specific purposes in testing, and the use of technology in listening tests. A number of research issues are also discussed.