Scientific Test, Inc. was founded in 1981 by John Bailey, its current President. The logic for the business was based on the observation that a demand existed for automatic testing of discrete semiconductor devices without the $100,000 or more investment then required.

The initial target market was incoming inspection, a function for most companies which typically could not afford the cost of previously available equipment. The company introduced a low cost test system. As the products were refined and improved, sales to device manufacturers began. These manufacturers used the test systems to final test the product manufactured as differentiated from the incoming inspection function which tested devices that would subsequently be installed in their product. Growth also occurred as a result of expansion into international markets where sales to Pacific rim countries have become a substantial percentage of sales.