The analysis of minute quantities of material on a surface is frequently essential in understanding the behavior of materials relative to the systems of which they are a part. Auger electron spectroscopy offers a unique method for studying the first few atomic layers of a surface. The elemental composition of the surface can be determined provided that the surface is dominated by only a few elements. Also, in favorable circumstances, information on the oxidation state of the surface elements may be obtained. In reactor systems thin films of fission fragments and/or corrosion products may be important not only from the standpoint of the usual materials problems of corrosion or mechanical properties, but also for reasons related to neutron economy, fission-product control, maintenance, and the removal of afterheat due to radioactive decay when a reactor is shut down. Auger analysis is being used to determine the elemental composition of thin film deposits on graphite from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Molten-Salt Reactor Experiment. This paper considers four main problem areas related to the application of Auger electron spectroscopy to nuclear reactor materials. First, the materials to be studied are radioactive which makes handling them hazardous. While this may necessitate special shielding and safety precautions, it is primarily an inconvenience and except in cases involving unusually intense beta emission the radioactivity of the sample need not interfere with the measurement of Auger spectra. Second, the relative merits of using a retarding potential electron energy analyzer as opposed to cylindrical or spherical sector electron spectrometers are discussed. The retarding potential electron energy analyzers are physically simpler and more readily available, but the spectrometers have important advantages in resolution, in sensitivity, and in discriminating against beta radiation, as well as the background of secondary electrons. Third, the problems encountered during the analysis of the spectra are illustrated. In fission product analysis, chemical shifts, and the overlap of Auger spectra of elements (especially those adjacent to each other in the fourth and higher periods) can become bothersome. If a large number of elements are present on the same surface, the large width of the most prominent Auger peaks is a very significant complicating factor. Fourth, extreme care must be taken to ensure that the surface examined is not contaminated or altered to an unknown extent during sample acquisition or preparation. If contamination cannot be avoided, cleaning techniques which do not destroy the surface of interest must be devised. Thermal treatments, electron bombardment, ion bombardment, or chemical means may be helpful depending on circumstances.