An Application Specific Distributed Test Engine (ASDTE) that provides an optimized set of test resources for a given application. The test engine resources, configuration, functionality, and even the number of test engines can be changed as different devices are tested, or as different test methodologies are used with the system. This can be done by including the test engine configuration as a part of the application files that are loaded during the system set-up. This approach differs from conventional testing systems which limit testing to a fixed, limited, or standard stimulus/response engine configuration intended to test a variety of devices. Some of the benefits of the Application Specific Distributed Test Engine Architecture include: (1) a very high test throughput, (2) the ability to adapt system functionality and capabilities to meet different and new, unforeseen device test requirements on a lot-by-lot basis on a production test floor, and (3) the ability to change the number of test engines to optimize tester channels and system utilization.