In response to public pressures and a legislative mandate, the State of Arizona began to systematically evaluate prospective teachers while concomitantly requiring a restructuring of the Arizona teacher preparation programs at the college and university level as part of a program entitled the Arizona Performance-Based Teacher Certification Program. Currently, this program consists of a basic skills test and a professional knowledge test which together constitute the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Examination (ATPE). In addition, an Arizona Teacher Residency Program (ATRP) which would provide on-the-job assessment of beginning teachers is under consideration. The ATRP is a proposed performance-based certification program whereby the teacher "residents" will have up to two years (a non-renewable certificate) to demonstrate teaching skills and behaviors deemed essential for successful classroom performance. Additionally, the ATRP will serve as an induction and support system for the teacher residents. This paper deals with the initiation, development, current status, problems encountered, research outcomes, and anticipated future actions related to each of these programs in the State of Arizona. (JD)