This paper describes what in the area of assessment is essential knowledge for a prospective teacher. The listings of topics which would be relevant for a course in measurement for preservice teachers are presented as they might appear in a course syllabus. For each topic, the rationnale for its inclusion is given, as well as the skills which would be developed and the specific subjects the topic would include. The eight content areas are: (1) basic concepts and terminology of assessment; (2) uses of assessment; (3) assessment planning and development; (4) interpretation of assessments; (5) description of assessment results; (6) evaluation and improvement of assessments; (7) feedback and grading; and (8) ethics of assessment. (JD)