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A brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource. A survey of educators was conducted to determine the relative importance of eight desirable characteristics of competency based education materials and then to apply the results to materials actually in use. Initially, 129 vocational instructors, administrators, and instructional designers were surveyed using a pair-comparison method. Objectives and learning activities were judged most important, followed in order by current, comprehensive content; tests for assessing student performance; validation of the materials; individualization; appropriateness for the student population; and classroom management information. Some significant differences were found among the three groups of raters. A forced-choice, Likert-type survey instrument based on the eight criteria was developed and administered to 1,245 Florida instructors in thirty-four vocational courses.Materials scored highest on appropriateness, followed in order by content, learning activities, objectives, validation, individualization, tests/assessment, and management information. Differences were found among vocational program areas and among courses within a program area. Subscores were consistent with those on perceived importance of the characteristics with the exception of "appropriateness for students." Results showed need for improvement in materials now in use. (Sample pages from questionniare are appended.) (MEK)