This study was conducted to secure adequate data to support the need for the issuance of competency certificates to graduates of Oklahoma vocational and technical education programs. A questionnaire was developed to determine the perceptions of teachers and employers regarding the competency statements and to see if using such certificates would help graduates of vocational and technical education programs to obtain full-time jobs. Data were collected through onsite visits to eight Oklahoma vocational and technical schools; the business and industry data was obtained from a mail questionnaire to 569 businesses with a return of 249 questionnaires. Some of the findings of the study were the following: (1) business and industry representatives were more supportive of the certificate as a true measure of a student's competence than were the instructors; (2) employers thought that the competency certificate would aid an employer in making employment decisions; (3) employers would use the competency certificate in making work assignments for a new employee; (4) employers indicated that the competency certificate, as written, represents the areas of major importance for vocational and technical programs; (5) employers thought the certificate was clearly defined, whereas teachers thought the certificate needed clarification; and (6) both groups thought the rating scale on the competency certificate was appropriate. Recommendations were made to increase teacher acceptance and use of the competency certificate, especially in light of business and industry's favorable response to it. (KC)