The purpose of this study was to investigate certification requirements for elementary teachers in educational institutions to determine their preparation in science. The amount and types of science content, the science processes and skills, science teaching techniques, and general preparation as an elementary teacher who will need to teach science were areas covered on a questionnaire distributed to 18 deans in Washington state. The results of the survey were compared to guidelines presented by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) for teacher preparation in 1983. The overall result was that the majority of Washington institutions do not compare favorably with the NSTA standards. Areas for future study are suggested. Appended are a copy of the guidelines adopted by the NSTA, a list of the field test institutions, institutions surveyed, copies of letters sent to institutions, and a copy of the survey. (KR)