This literature review examines alternative routes to teacher certification and presents alternative certification regulations and policies for 19 states. Three categories of nontraditional personnel preparation programs are noted: nontraditional recruitment programs, retraining programs, and alternative certification programs. A definition of alternative certification programming is offered and innovative aspects (such as open competition and the phaseout of emergency certification) of alternative certification are identified. Studies of alternative programs in operation are reported and their increasing acceptance by major educational organizations and political personnel is noted. Current issues including program quality, incentives, and performance outcomes are cited as are such recommendations as assessing cost benefits of alternative routes to certification. Seventeen university, district, and state alternative certification programs are described. Specific implications for special education are drawn. These include the appropriateness of alternative certification in areas of critical shortages, related controversy over the regular education initiative, and the question of who controls the preparation of teachers. An appendix summarizes alternative certification programs and policies by states and lists contact persons. (43 references) (DB)