Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

In the rapidly transforming educational landscape, the ability of pre-service teachers to meet the demands of 21^st century classrooms is critical. With shifts toward learner-centered pedagogies, digital integration, and globalization, teacher education must now prioritize the development and assessment of competencies that transcend basic content knowledge. This paper explores the essential core competencies required for pre-service teachers in the modern era and examines how these competencies are assessed in diverse educational contexts. It discusses prevailing theoretical frameworks, assessment tools, and international practices, while also analyzing the challenges encountered by teacher education institutions. The review identifies the pressing need for updated training models that reflect real-world demands, promotes innovative assessment strategies, and emphasizes reflective, technological and interpersonal capabilities. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for future research and policy directions in competency-based teacher preparation.