Concern about the preparation and competence of teachers has brought about a rapid spread of teacher competency assessment programs. Currently, 36 states test or plan to test teachers prior to certification. Two states, Arkansas and Texas, are already involved with testing teachers in service. Teacher competency testing has become embroiled in state and national politics, and has also become involved in charges of racism and anti-affirmative action. Even though teacher shortages promise to become more severe in the future, several states have exacerbated these shortages by requiring competency tests for teacher certification. Furthermore, while the competency tests produce shortages that result in suboptional instruction for pupils, they provide no incentive for highly qualified people to enter or stay in the teaching profession. While the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) support, to varying degrees, teacher competency testing prior to certification, neither organization supports testing of veteran teachers. Research indicates that there is no test that can predict who will be a good teacher. (CB)