A content validity study of the National Teacher Examination (NTE) was conducted by Educational Testing Service for the Mississippi State Board of Education. Its purposes were: (1) to assess the NTE's appropriateness as a measure of knowledge acquired through teacher preparation programs and required as a qualification to teach in Mississippi; and (2) to develop information to assist state officials in establishing rational decision rules for evaluating candidates' NTE scores for initial certification. Utilizing a jury judgment method, two types of panels made up of carefully selected, experienced Mississippi educators, were established. Content review panels concluded that the NTE is a fair measure of the knowledge objectives of Mississippi teacher training programs: four area specialty tests are very closely related; the core battery and 17 area specialty tests are closely related. Based on the knowledge estimation panels' judgments a score representing the minimum level of academic knowledge necessary for completing teacher training programs and teaching effectively in Mississippi can be set for each of the subject areas covered by the NTE. The State Board of Education has set minimal qualifying scores as part of the certification process based on the scores identified by the Study. (BS)