The objectives and development of the skill standards movement were examined along with 22 pilot projects that were undertaken as part of an effort to promote the development of a national system of voluntary industry-based skill standards. First, the past and present of the skill standards movement and certification practices were analyzed along with selected models of skill and skill certification (the skill components and professional models, skills and certification in craft occupations, and certification of Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills and generic skills). Next, the skill standards pilot projects were studied, and the study findings were synthesized into the following recommendations regarding goals/evaluation, substantive content, and governance of skill standards programs: clarify the movement's goals; make skills standards systems consistent with the broader, more "professionalized" role of workers in innovative workplaces; continue the important progress already achieved in involving employer organizations and associations; strengthen partnerships between employer organizations and schools; and strengthen the involvement of workers and worker representatives in the skill standard system's governance structure. Appended are four charts detailing existing industry-based standards and possible levels of academic-vocational integration, workplace integration, and organization of skill standards. Contains 58 references. (MN)