The Institutional Self-Assessment Measure (ISAM) is presented, which was designed to aid local agency program managers and staff members in planning and improving implementation of competency-based education (CBE) programs. It is a structured tool to be used with the support of a trained ISAM facilitator to enhance communication among staff members. The instrument describes critical elements of program implementation, establishes a common language for communication within and between local agencies about the CBE program, offers a flexible self-report method for planning and program improvement at the local agency level, and describes key staff functions (management, instruction, and guidance). There are five major components: (1) management scoring forms with 25 items describing key functions of the manager of a CBE program; (2) instruction scoring forms with 26 items describing instructors' functions; (3) guidance scoring forms with 25 items for the guidance function; (4) scoring criteria, with clearly stated definitions of rating criteria for items specified in the preceding forms; and (5) summary analysis forms for use by the facilitator to help the agency team develop a profile of the current program and future needs. These forms may be used to develop an initial CBE plan, assess progress toward CBE implementation, and isolate specific needs within the program. (SLD)