The Herpes Attitudes Scale (HAS) and the Herpes Knowledge Scale (HKS) were developed as research instruments to investigate knowledge and attitudes among college students about herpes. The HAS is a 40‐item Likert‐type scale with an internal consistency reliability coefficient of .91, based on a sample of 148 students. The HKS is a 54‐item true‐false test with a reliability coefficient of .88, with the same sample. Content validity of both scales was evaluated by a panel of judges knowledgeable about herpes and/or instrument construction. Since the scales are designed to detect unfavorable attitudes and general misconceptions about herpes, they can function in research applications and as both needs assessment and evaluative tools in herpes education programs.