In 1974, the California legislature directed the California Postsecondary Education Commission to develop a plan for establishing independent postsecondary education counseling centers to serve California residents not enrolled in a college or high school. On the basis of interviews, a review of the literature, and site visits to existing counseling centers, the Commission developed three alternative plans for pilot advisement centers. Each center would provide: (1) a comprehensive testing program to enable clients to assess their educational strengths and weaknesses, career skills, and interests; (2) current information and advice on all public and private postsecondary education opportunities in California; (3) information and counseling about career options, requirements, and opportunities in the state; (4) information on costs of education and opportunities for financial aid; (5) current information about special programs (such as child care) or services of educational institutions and agencies in the community; and (6) a referral service to help clients obtain needed counseling information not directly provided by the center. Included in the proposal is a plan for an information system which would help coordinate and disseminate existing information about local opportunities, programs, and services. (Author/DC)