The manual provides guidelines for recruitment, preparation, certification, and continuing professional development of special education personnel. It is explained that the guidelines were developed from a series of five regional meetings, results of a survey instrument, and existing Council for Exceptional Children policy statements, and were finalized at the National Consensus Work Conference in June, 1974. Recruitment guidelines and rationales focus on such aspects as experience and demonstrated competency. Preparation aspects addressed include needs assessment, resource analysis, curriculum and methods, evaluation, and personnel conducting preparation programs. Flexibility, periodic renewal, noncategorical alternatives and interstate reciprocity for certification are considered. Also provided are preliminary draft guidelines for continuing professional development which stress the need for shared responsibility, evaluation, and due process provisions. (CL)