Abstract
This paper presents the history and background that led up to the publication in 1973 of the document Standards for Social Service Manpower by the National Association of Social Workers. It provides an overview of the intent of the publication, which currently constitutes the universal standard or model for differential classification of social services manpower. It outlines the six-level classification plan and the objectives set forth, and then studies in detail the implications for social agencies, education, the public, and the profession.