This paper reviews the sections of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) that provide for using competencies gained by youth as evaluation tools. The paper discusses the types of competencies that youths should gain by such programs and how they should be measured, as an alternative to traditional program-based evaluation. The paper is organized in four major sections that discuss youth competencies in conjunction with (1) state and local decision making; (2) reporting alternatives; (3) modification of performance standards; and (4) present and future activities. An appendix reprints an article on "Establishing a Youth Competency System" by Rick Spill. (KC)