A national survey was conducted to identify the characteristics of specific competency-based adult vocational programs in both the public and private sectors. Through a variety of procedures approximately 1,900 persons were nominated as contacts for program information on all day and/or evening non-credit programs in any type of school or training facility. A questionnaire developed with the services of a national panel of consultants contained nineteen items (descriptors) basic to competency-based instruction, a number of demographic program questions, and six open-ended criterion questions. Questionnaires were sent to 1,657 potential respondents and, after a mail follow-up and a telephone follow-up, 277 usable returns were received. Approximately 72% of the returns were from the public sector and 28% from the private sector (a majority of these from proprietary schools). Several comparisons were made between public and private sectors, and descriptor scores were compared with other variables in the survey. Other analyses included linear regression and canonical correlations to determine the descriptors and criterion questions most closely related to strong programs. One major conclusion was that relatively few high quality programs exist. Complete findings and ten specific recommendations are presented. (JT)