Basic Skills and Subject Matter
Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST math, reading & writing)
On June 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed a budget trailer bill, SB 153 (Chap. 38, Statutes of 2024), that allow candidates to use their bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as demonstration of the Basic Skills Requirement, effective immediately. For more information please read PSA 24-07. NOTE: passage of this bill does not apply to the Subject Matter Competency Requirement.
Subject Matter Competency
Subject Matter Competence Options
Background
On July 9, 2021, the Governor signed AB 130 (Chap. 44, Stats. 2021) which establishes new options for demonstrating the Subject Matter Requirement (SMR). The options allow the Commission and Commission-approved programs to verify that a candidate or applicant has demonstrated subject matter proficiency by qualifying college-level coursework.
Previously, to meet the Subject Matter Requirement, candidates must have either received a passing score on the applicable CSET examination or completed a Commission-approved subject matter waiver program. AB 130 expands the available options to allow candidates to meet the Subject Matter Requirement through any one of the following methods:
- Successful completion of coursework, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation that addresses each of the Commission-adopted domains of the applicable subject matter requirements.
- Successful completion of an academic major in the subject they will teach.
- a. For Single Subject credentials, the major must be in one of the subjects named in Education Code section 44257(a).
- b. For Multiple Subject credentials, completion of a baccalaureate degree or higher in one of the following academic degree majors meets the subject matter competency requirement:
- Liberal Studies
- Liberal Studies: Urban Education
- Liberal Studies: Elementary Education
- Liberal Arts
- Elementary Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- c. For Education Specialist credentials, the major must directly align with one of the acceptable majors for the Multiple Subject credential or Single Subject credential.
- A combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements. Such mixing of options may only be done by candidates enrolled in a Commission-approved preparation program that allows for this option.
Important: SSU is currently evaluating coursework for SSU's credential programs applicants only in the following areas.
- Multiple Subject and Special Education Credential programs (Multiple Subject, Subject Matter Competency)
- Social Science (currently evaluating coursework for current SSU students or Alumni applying to SSU's credential programs)
If you are interested in requesting a course evaluation, please complete the coursework evaluation request for subject matter competency (SMC) according to the program you are applying for. Please note that requesting a coursework evaluation does not guarantee that your coursework will be approved to meet SMC. Additionally, if a review is completed before program admission, an official notice will not be provided until you are officially admitted and matriculated in SSU's credential program.
Subject Matter Competency (SMC) for Multiple Subject program applicants ONLY
Subject Matter Competency (SMC) for Special Education program applicants ONLY