A major purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes toward standards of practice and the nature and scope of standards of practice as they currently exist in governmental agencies, professional associations and licensing agencies, business and industry, health-related organizations, and colleges and universities. A second purpose was to recommend a framework for the development of standards of practice for the field of continuing education. Data were collected by a mail survey of 5000 organizations and institutions; 702 completed the survey in a usable manner. Only 29 percent of survey respondents reported they routinely use written standards of practice in continuing education. A high number (84 percent) indicated agreement with the assertion that standards of practice enhance quality assurance. Few organizations (28 percent) reported being satisfied with current standards of practice in continuing education. Overall, 79 percent wanted more emphasis in standards on learner performance, while 77 percent also desired more emphasis in standards on educational process. Elements most frequently addressed in standards of practice currently used included administration and organization, goals and objectives, instructional staff, program/course records, program planning, fiscal resources, and program/course evaluation. (In addition to recommendations, a frame of reference for developing standards is provided.) (YLB)