Following a discussion of the basic skills required for an adaptable work force and how employers and workplace literacy providers determine which employees require basic skills training, this paper reviews three literacy instruments that can be used in workplace basic skills programs. A basic skills profile is drawn based on a review of the literature. The test reviews are based on information from the actual test, the test manuals and administrator's guidelines, technical bulletins, a literature search, the Mental Measurements Yearbook, and interviews with instructors in adult literacy and basic education programs. Tests reviewed are the Canadian Adult Achievement Test, the Test of Adult Basic Education Forms 5 and 6, and the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests Canadian Edition. For each test, information is given on test content, test development, and test usability. The paper suggests that criterion-referenced tests should be developed for employees in basic workplace training, using specific work-related skills. (KC)