This essay discusses methods by which an exam writer can achieve three objectives: 1) producing questions that test a student's understanding, defined as the ability to apply knowledge in a novel context; 2) writing questions that require minimal grading time; and 3) keeping current and excited about the field, which is critical for transmitting personal enthusiasm to students. Included are descriptions of practical, time-saving methods for processing and filing examination material; ways to use readily vailable databases for quickly generating rigorous, interesting questions, with examples of questions generated in this way; suggestions for structuring questions so that they are easily graded; and general advice for preparing students to take this kind of examination. ADV PHYSIOL EDUC 23: 96-100, 2000.