The purpose of this study was to build up theoretical background for the development of study skills test for the college students. For the purpose, based on the analysis of the previous literatures, we summarized the historical development of study skills in behavioral, cognitive, and meta-cognitive viewpoints, and defined study skills as the effective and efficient use of various techniques for completing the learning tasks. We also indicated that even though the study skills generally have positive effects on the affective and cognitive aspects of learners, sometimes the effects could be limited because of the inappropriate composition of the program and training methods. Furthermore, we explored the components of study skills as a basement of study skills tests and training programs through the analysis of previous literatures and contemporary testing tools and training programs in the United States. And We surveyed 100 college students to know what they think study skills\' sub-componets. As the result, we extracted six sub-components of college students\' study skills. They are self-management, class participation, test-taking, reading, homework, and information processing study skills. This study is a theoretical approach to the historical development, concepts, effects, and sub-components of study skills. Therefore, study for the development and implementation of study skills tests and training programs need to be performed at the further studies.