a psycho metrically valid questionnaire (scale) on strategic vocabulary learning was developed for Japanese EFL learners, university students in particular. There were three phases involved in developing and validating the scale. First, items were pooled from the relevant literature on vocabulary learning strategies and ideas from target learners. Second, an initial field test was conducted with 410 university leamers. Subsequent item analyses retained 25 items. Third, the reliability and validity of the final version of the instrument were examined thoroughly with a different sample of learners (N 283) In addition, validity of the new instrument was further examined in relation to the TOEIC scores and (a) the subscales and (b) the overall strategic vocabulary learning capacity