First-year evaluation results of Iowa's Basic Skills Certification pilot program were reported for the four community colleges participating: Northeast Iowa, Des Moines Area, Western Iowa Tech, and Iowa Western. The pilot sites represented a variety of adult basic education instructional environments that included a workforce development center, an adult correctional facility, an adult learning center, an adult basic education and general educational development (ABE/GED) classroom, a residential treatment facility, a residential care facility, an even start program, and a vocational training center. Results included the following: (1) a total of 323 basic skills certificates were issued to 307 adult students; (2) 16 adult students received multi-level certificates; (3) a total of 15 percent of the basic skills certificates were issued at certification level A; 37 percent at level B; 39 percent at C; and 9 percent at level D; (4) the average number of instructional hours to earn a basic skills reading certificate was 90-112; (5) the average number of instructional hours to earn a basic skills mathematics certificate was 85-104; (6) the certificates build the self-esteem of adult students; (7) the certificates effectively benchmark learning gains at both the student and program level; (8) the certificates provide a common language among educators, employers, agencies; and (9) the basic skills certification program provides one of the major outcomes measures for Iowa's basic literacy skills program. (KC)