These guidelines on the uses of individualized and fixed curriculum approaches to instruction were developed for persons responsible for conducting professional continuing education programs in mental health. Following a brief introduction and definitions of terms, major content is presented in three sections covering the following areas: the unique needs for continuing education in mental health, the characteristics of the fixed curriculum and individualized approach to instruction and criteria for using each of these approaches, and practical considerations and recommendations for fixed curriculum and individualized learning approaches, including assessing needs for the program, setting program objectives, gaining sanctions, funding and costing, promotion, instruction, faculty, evaluation, and credentialing. Finally, a summary concludes these guidelines. (EM)