This document represents phase 1 in the development of a position paper on certification for adult secondary education teachers and administrators in Illinois. In its introduction the purposes of the paper are discussed: (1) examine practices in various states for recognizing the professional status of adult education teachers, (2) explore some benefits and disadvantages of such systems, (3) review the basis of professionalism for all adult educators, (4) identify basic issues involved in arriving at a sound policy on adult education certification, and (5) suggest a possible range of alternatives for the state of Illinois. Existing and proposed adult education certification (regulation) is examined for these selected states: Washington, Texas, Georgia, Delaware, South Carolina, Missouri, District of Columbia, and California. The next section consists of an extensive literature review on certification, accreditation, and licensure on an interprofessional basis. In the final section four alternative policies for adult education certification in Illinois are proposed. Advantages and disadvantages are explored. A list of references for the literature is appended. (YLB)