A study examined the relationships between the skills measured by basic skills assessment tools and the competencies that U.S. employers desire of their hourly employees. The basic skills desired by employers were identified through a literature review. Tools for assessing adult basic/employability skills that are currently available from a total of 24 publishers were analyzed from the standpoint of the extent to which their content (skills measured), validity, and reliability conform to employers' stated needs for assessment tools. It was concluded that suitable assessment tools currently exist for assessing the following skills/competencies identified in the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) and desired by U.S. employers: reading, writing, computation, oral communication, listening, problem solving, self-management, knowing how to learn, teamwork, and leadership. The greatest numbers of instruments are available for assessing reading, writing, and computation skills. Twenty specific assessment tools were recommended for standardized testing of adult basic skills. (Thirteen tables and an 81-item bibliography are included. Appended are the letter sent to publishers, the names/addresses of the 23 publishers contacted, and a bibliography of 21 additional sources regarding basic skills assessment.) (MN)