This manual provides an overview and instructions for the application of vocational assessment to secondary special needs students, especially in Illinois. The manual is organized in six sections. The introductory section describes the provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act in regard to student assessment and includes information on the legal aspects of parent/guardian notification and consent to initiate vocational assessment and student identification. The second section contains extensive questions and answers about vocational assessment, covering the definition of vocational assessment, why it is important for special needs students, who is responsible for assessment, when assessment should be initiated, and how it should be carried out. The third section of the manual describes the Illinois Three Level Assessment Process, how it is conducted, and how to apply it to special needs students. Included in the fourth section of the manual are matrices that identify various types of instruments that can be used in the vocational assessment process. Also provided is pertinent information regarding age/grade appropriateness, length of time required, method of reporting scores, potential for group administration, and usefulness with special needs populations. The fifth section contains sample forms for parent/guardian notification and consent, student, parent, and teacher interviews, vocational assessment reports, and bilingual vocational program student referral. The sixth section contains the following appendixes: format for developing a work sample, situational assessment checklist, cultural appropriateness rating criteria, assessment instruments and publishers addresses, and 124 references. (KC)