A 310 Special Demonstration Project was conducted in Florida to create a model of competency-based adult education (CBAE) based on the programs currently in existence. This manual, which was produced through the project, presents an overview of CBAE and explains in detail how to operate a CBAE program. The manual is organized in 11 sections. The first three sections provide background information about the 310 Project, define CBAE, and refute possible criticism of CBAE. In the fourth section, the professional roles of CBAE program administrator, counselor, and instructor are defined and described. The next two sections describe the administrative recordkeeping and the facilities necessary for a CBAE program. Section 7 describes intake, prescription, and disengagement of students; the following two sections detail grades, tests, credits, and recordkeeping. In section 10, learning procedures and classroom management are discussed. This section considers classroom orientation, learning procedures, role of the learning facilitator, records management, and resource management. The final section of the guide discusses staff training for CBAE programs. Eight appendixes include lists of participants in guide development and training workshops, articles on CBAE, a resource list, model for material development, description of Brevard Community College's CBAE project, and samples of a student learning guide, curriculum frameworks, and performance standards. (KC)