An emerging issue in teacher education is the essential knowledge that is a prerequisite to successful pedagogical and subject matter instruction. Skills in communication, both oral and written, and computation are critical areas which must be sufficient for further instruction. This paper addresses the issues of responsibility for developing and using admission tests, cost of tests, legal and/or moral responsibilities to the profession and societal implications of admission testing. Various kinds of tests are discussed--basic skills, norm referenced, and criterion referenced. (Author/JD)