This paper was developed to help Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) administrators make informed decisions when selecting employability assessment tools. The paper focuses on one aspect of participant assessment: assessing the level of basic education skills of economically disadvantaged youth. The paper provides the following: (1) comparative information on some of the most widely used basic skills tests within the JTPA system--both standardized and criterion-referenced; (2) examples of how assessment data can be used to improve program planning and participant impact; and (3) policy recommendations for consideration at the state and local levels. Eighteen tests of basic skills are profiled, with information listed including publisher, norms, administration, cost, subtest areas, and reviewer's comments focused on appropriateness of the test for JTPA clients and recommendations concerning the test's best use. (KC)