Alderson, C J and Banerjee, J (2001-02) Language testing and assessment. Parts 1 and 2, Language Teaching, 34 (4), 213-36, and 35 (2), 79-113
An authoritative two-part state-of-the-art review. Of interest to those wanting to pursue recent published research on any aspect of language testing.

ALTE (The Association of Language Testers in Europe) www.alte.org
This is an association of 27 institutions within Europe, each of which produces examinations and certification for language learners. Each member provides examinations of the language which is spoken as a mother tongue in its own country or region. It covers six levels of proficiency, aligned with the Council of Europe's framework (Council of Europe, 2001), and allows comparison of the levels of examinations in a wide range of languages. It also provides a 'Can Do' description in 13 languages according to levels and skill areas.

Bailey, K M (1998) Learning About Language Assessment: Dilemmas, decisions and directions, Heinle and Heinle, Boston
A highly readable book with good sections on general principles of assessment, but also specific chapters on cloze and C-tests, multiple-choice tests, the nowadays much-neglected dictation, as well as approaches to marking. Although written for a specific American audience, it is readily accessible to all.

DIALANG (2002) http://www.dialang.org
This is a set of computer-based diagnostic tests available over the Internet. It employs self-assessment ratings in conjunction with the results of objective tests to offer the user a test of an appropriate level of difficulty. The language used to administer the test can be chosen by the user from a list of 14 European languages, as can the skill to be tested: reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary. Finally, DIALANG can provide immediate feedback on test scores, as well as advice on how learners can improve their proficiency to the next level based on the Common European Framework (Council of Europe, 2001).

Hughes, A (1989) Testing for Language Teachers, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
If you want to consult just one volume on the subject, this is it. All relevant issues are presented with admirable clarity. Jargon is kept to a minimum and practicality emphasized throughout. A must.

McNamara, T (2000) Language Testing, Oxford University Press, Oxford
A brief overview of the subject for the non-specialist which includes short surveys of different aspects of testing, uncluttered by references, readings from key texts and a selection of annotated references.

Oller, J W (1979) Language Tests at School, Longman, London
Although clearly not the latest word on assessment, this ground-breaking book put forward arguments in favour of the sort of integrative language testing that led ultimately to the introduction of communicative language tests. In particular, it introduced many in the language teaching world to the cloze test for the first time.

Underhill, N (1987) Testing Spoken Language: A handbook of oral testing techniques, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
A comprehensive survey of the field which is bursting with practical suggestions. If you are ever short of ideas on assessing any aspect of oral work, this is the place to look for inspiration. Considers pros and cons of various test types, and looks at marking systems and the question of test evaluation.

Weir, C J (1990) Communicative Language Testing, Prentice Hall International, Hemel Hempstead
Besides offering a straightforward introduction to test design and test construction, this book illustrates all the main approaches to assessing the four language skills, listing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

The Cambridge University Press series on assessment in languages represents the most up-to-date and authoritative statement on the subject. However, these detailed books are not for the beginner but rather for those wanting to explore a particular skill area in greater depth. Volumes to have appeared to date are:

Alderson, C J (2000) Assessing Reading, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (Chapter 7 on 'Techniques for testing reading' is the most useful for the classroom practitioner)

Buck, G (2001) Assessing Listening, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Cushing Weigle, S (2002) Assessing Writing, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Douglas, D (2001) Assessing Languages for Specific Purposes, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Read, J (2000) Assessing Vocabulary, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge