The guidelines and competencies presented in this volume establish criteria for a comprehensive certification program for North Carolina public school teachers, beginning from the point of entry into a teacher preparation program and continuing through initial certification and the first years of full-time teaching. Program approval functions to assure that preparation programs provide opportunities for prospective educators to acquire and demonstrate both the academic and professional skills required for certification and effective practice. Within this context, information regarding certificate requirements, guidelines and competencies for teacher education programs, and areas of specialization is provided on the following: (1) General Studies; (2) Professional Studies; (3) Pre-School, Elementary, and Middle Grades Education; (4) Secondary Subjects (9-12); (5) Exceptional Children and Youth (K-12); (6) Special Subjects (K-12); (7) Vocational Education (6-12); and (8) Special Service Personnel (K-12). Appendices provide information on competencies and indicators for student teachers; competencies and indicators for cooperating teachers who supervise student teachers or interns; competencies and indicators for university supervisors of student teachers or interns; and certification codes and interpretations. (LL)