Examines the issue of minimum competency testing. Advantages and disadvantages are listed and differences in approaches to implementation are discussed. Problems which arise for teachers are listed along with suggestions for how to handle them. (JMB)

Competency testing is a fact of life for many new teachers. This article describes different types of tests and the purposes for which they are used in various states. Teachers and spokespersons for educational organizations and institutions express their views on testing and on how test results may affect teacher education. (PP)