A brief overview is presented of the current status of mandatory testing in the United States, and of some of the problems involved. While the testing of teacher candidates is generally approved, both the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association oppose the testing of veteran teachers. It is suggested that leadership for a single national test should come from the profession itself, and that while such a test is unlikely to predict teaching effectiveness, or attract talented people into the profession, it could be a step in the right direction. (JD)