This paper traces the evolution of the statutory reforms passed by the Illinois General Assembly to upgrade the quality of those entering the teaching force in Illinois. Part one briefly examines the national trends in testing for admission into teacher education programs prior to certification. Part two focuses on the Illinois movement to test beginning teachers. An examination is made of how the policy making process translated the various sets of recommendations into the final legislative language requiring testing for the certification of new teachers beginning July 1, 1988. Personal interviews with some of the individuals who played key roles in the drafting of legislation, as well as those who will have primary responsibilities in the implementation process are featured. The third part discusses the legal, political, equity, and validation ramifications associated with testing new teachers, and how the Illinois Certification Testing System will attempt to address these issues. The legal and political problems raised by some recent research studies and court actions are briefly reviewed. Appendixes include tables providing information on testing in the other states and a reprint of a section from the School Code of Illinois. (JD)