A model was developed for determining critical secondary vocational occupational competencies as rated by industry representatives. The method used to generate the information was an item analysis of competencies that industry experts identified as core competencies in the Ohio Competency Analysis Profile (OCAP) process. The study identified the importance of core competencies in 10 agricultural occupations and determined the critical core of occupational competencies in each of the occupations. Ratings were made by 222 agricultural employees (of 500 surveyed). Conclusions and recommendations from the study included the following: (1) industry workers can rate needed competencies and should be involved in doing so; (2) an important core exists in the area of safety instruction and should be taught to students studying all 10 agricultural worker categories; and (3) other vocational service areas should follow the model of agricultural education by conducting similar studies in appropriate worker categories. (Author/KC)