This paper reports the outcomes of a phenomenographic investigation of beginning teacher competence. In the research presented here, beginning teachers were interviewed and the transcripts analysed to reveal how these teachers describe the phenomenon of competence. In highlighting the various conceptions of competence held by beginning teachers, the paper also outlines the variety of appraisal approaches experienced by teachers seeking entry into the profession. The competence of teachers is not a recently contested issue, nor one that is isolated to specific education contexts. More than ever before, there is worldwide debate about the authenticity of various forms ofappraisal that aim to measure or judge teacher performance. Such judgements are of particular concern to early career teachers who must demonstrate 'competence' before they are formally accepted as members of the teaching profession. This paper seeks to add to the debate about teaching competence by providing the voice of the beginning teacher.