This digest reviews alternative certification on the basis of educational quality and the need to fill teacher shortages. Following a definition of traditional certification, the alternative certification route is described as a process designed to certify candidates who have subject-matter competencies, without going through formal teacher preparation. Several studies have yielded information on the relationship between teacher knowledge and instructional practice and presented concerns and advantages of alternative certification. Alternative certification programs vary by state and may be designed to achieve different goals and objectives. Some evaluative studies that compare traditional and alternative certification routes have yielded inconclusive results, which can have far-reaching policy implications for effective teaching and the quality of education. If subject-matter competency combined with pedagogical training is the determinant of effective instruction, then the traditional certification route is the most effective policy to assure education quality. However, if subject-matter competence without pedagogical training is equally determinant of effective instruction, then alternative certification is an equally viable policy. (Contains 23 references.) (LL)