In West Virginia, an alternative special education program allows students with bachelor's degrees in fields other than education to become teachers of exceptional children. This program provides a route to certification in mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, or behavior disorders, as well as to a master's degree in special education. Developed to address a situation in which a third of the state's educators working in special education were on substandard licenses, the program differs from traditional certification in target population and length of training rather than in program content, vigor, or expected outcomes. Since the program was initiated in 1986-87, 94 students from nontraditional backgrounds have sought admission to the program and 56 have completed all certification requirements. The average student was 34 years old, had two children, and was otherwise fully employed. Alternative means of delivering coursework include faculty that travel to distant sites, audio-only and video-teleconferencing links between distant sites and professors, and flexible class meeting schedules. In addition to coursework, students must master three competency tests: the Preprofessional Skills Test, the Multi-Subject Test (grades K-8), and a test in the specialization area. Includes an outline of required coursework and other degree requirements. (SV)