This guide contains the materials and guidelines required to complete a Career Preparation Assessment (CPA) portfolio, which is a classroom-tested, employer-validated, performance-based assessment of career readiness skills for use by all high school students. The guide is divided into two parts. Part 1 is an overview of the CPA process that includes information on the following topics: the history and objectives of CPA; usefulness of a CPA to students, teachers, employers, and parents; the personal, interpersonal, thinking/problem-solving, communication, employment literacy, and technological literacy skill standards constituting the Career Preparation Standards (CPS) on which the CPA is based; CPS activities; and the role CPA in future employment and training applications/interviews. Part 2 of the guide contains examples of and specific instructions for completing the following portfolio components: personal statement, resume, application, letter of recommendation, work samples, writing samples, and interpersonal skills evaluation. (MN)