One of seven sections of a report that examines the assessment of occupational competence, this chapter examines the issue of certification from the perspective of the consumer of services performed by the individual possessing the credential. To provide an understanding of the current practice of competence assessment as a component of certification, the first portion of the chapter elaborates the process of how an occupation becomes a profession. In the course of describing the purposes and function of licensing and certification, particular attention is paid to the link between specifying the credential-awarding process and setting the goals that are established for the process. Following a description of the career areas in which certification plays an active role, the definition and measurement of competence is discussed using examples from prominent current practices. Among the key issues addressed in the chapter are the following: What is the relationship between certification and competence? Does certification ascertain minimal performance standards or are there other functions it performs that are more important? And, how do certification procedures direct educational priorities, with reference to the requirements of the world of work? (Other sections of the report are available separately--see note. The first is an overview; the last is a synthesis of issues.) (LRA)