Abstract: Based on the radial slope testing of wavefront, a novel self referenced wave aberration testing method is suggested. Its outstanding feature lies in that it is independant of the existence of a natural or artificial infinite object or a large sized standard flat mirror as the reference. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that it has fine technical feasibility and as high a sensitivity as a conventional interferometer, while there is no strict demands on environmental conditions and the light source. The technique can be applied in optical alignment and testing of optical systems having extreme apertures, such as remote sensing cameras in space technology, astronomical optical telescopes, paraboloidal mirrors etc., and for the wavefront sensing of active optical systems as well.