In 1994, a committee was formed to revise the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to meet the needs of the 21st century. The committee, which was chartered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of the Census, included representatives from eight public agencies using occupational information. The SOC revision process included the following steps: (1) identification of issues; (2) designation of an organizing principle; (3) work by subgroups; and (4) adjudication of differences of opinion. The committee published a proposed structure in 1997. After analyzing more than 200 comments on the proposal, the committee issued a revised structure in 1998. The revised SOC system maintained the previous system's focus on work performed. The revised SOC consists of 23 major occupational groups that include 98 minor groups, 452 broad occupations, and 822 detailed occupations. The following are among the key characteristics of the revised SOC: it is structured for comparability; it reflects the structure of the current work force; it provides greater flexibility and comprehensive coverage; it includes associated job titles, definitions, and military occupations; and it permits historical comparability and flexibility for change. (The occupational classification used in the 1850 Census of Population and the final 1998 SOC are appended.) Contains 10 endnotes. (MN)