<ARTICLE>     5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE 1997 ANNUAL
REPORT ON FORM 10-K AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<CIK>         0001036262
<NAME>        INTEST CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000
<CURRENCY>    USD

       

                                   
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                            DEC-31-1998
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<PERIOD-END>                                                 DEC-31-1998
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                        .31
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                        .31