No strong tradition of establishing worker skill standards exists in the United States. The private and public sectors are still struggling with the language used to describe skills necessary for success in the workplace and with the emphasis that should be placed on job-specific and general skills. Information for this paper was obtained primarily from telephone interviews with about 35 individuals representing industry, vocational education, and other groups. Telephone interviews with 16 individuals representing industry associations provided information on the process used in their industries. Industry-wide approaches to identifying and specifying employer skill requirements use various combinations of the following: (1) worker certification or credentialing; (2) program accreditation; and (3) curriculum design tailored to the specific skills needed. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence administers competency tests and certifies programs; Printing Industries of America has developed an industry certification program; and the American Bankers Association's American Institute of Banking concentrates on skills upgrading of employees. Interviews with nine state vocational educators show the process of obtaining industry validation of skills taught in public programs, beginning with identification of statewide competencies that must be used in programs. Nationally administered programs that use industry-based skills standards are the Department of Labor's apprenticeship approach and the Job Corps. Public policy issues related to national skills standards concern decisions about use of skill standards, a process for a national approach to individual certification, and assessment of skills. (YLB)