These nine papers from a conference of the International Research Network for Training and Development focus on occupational classification, standards, and certification. "Introduction" (Joao Oliveria) presents synopses with highlights from the papers. Part I offers an overview of recent developments in the United States in "Occupational Standards and Certification: Past-Current-Future Trends in the United States" (David Fretwell, Sandra Pritz); Canada in "The Delimitation and Certification of Occupations in Canada" (David N. Wilson); and France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in "Industrial Certification: Lessons from Europe" (W. G. McDerment). The papers highlight issues of delimitation and certification, the role of governments, and the weight of social traditions and institutional forms in shaping new solutions. Part II allows the reader to compare how three countries--the United States, Ireland, and the Netherlands--converge on the essentials while maintaining their own ways of going about the business of occupational delimitation in "An Examination of the Work of Purchasing Managers in the United States Using Job Comparative Techniques" (Eugene W. Muller); "The Development and Implementation of National Vocational Qualifications in Purchasing: Some Issues of Validity and Value" (Andrew Erridge); and "Job Profiles of Purchasing Professionals" (M. Mulder, M. Bellemakers). Part III highlights three emerging issues. "Basic Skills: An Approach to Occupational Classification" (Joao Oliveira) suggests ways in which basic skills may form a conceptual foundation to occupational delimitation, standard setting, and certification. "A Converging System? Explaining Difference in the Academic and Vocational Tracks in England and Wales" (Tim Oates) characterizes factors that affect convergence and divergence in the academic and vocational pathways in the education and training system. "Occupational Standards and Business Ethics" (Judith Marquand) introduces an empirical and conceptual framework for addressing ethical considerations related to occupational standards and certification. (YLB)