Sonoma State University

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Preliminary Credential Program Application Subject Matter Competency

Multiple Subject

Single Subject

Education Specialist

Candidates must demonstrate that they possess subject matter competency that aligns with the credential they are obtaining. SMC must be met prior to starting the program. There are five options in which a candidate can choose to meet SMC.

1. Subject Matter Program

Completion of a subject matter program approved by the Commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(i).

2. Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through completion of CSET Exams

Candidates who elect to satisfy this requirement through passage of applicable CSET exams, should register for the appropriate CSET exams and request for scores to be reported to SSU. CSET test dates, test registration procedures, deadlines, and test score reporting dates are available online. Once exams are passed, candidates must submit the PDF score report confirming proof of passage.

3. Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through coursework

Candidates can elect to meet SMC through a course evaluation. CTC has posted the Domains of Subject Matter which must be met through coursework. Candidates must have their coursework evaluated by an institution that currently provides these evaluations. 

If you are interested in requesting a course evaluation for subject matter equivalency, please first submit the program application and state that you will be requesting a course evaluation. Once your application is received by the Credential & Graduate office of Admissions, they will send you further details on how to officially submit the request.

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 candidates are officially matriculated and registered in SSU's programs. 

4. Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through BA/BS Degree

Candidates can elect to meet SMC through completion of an academic major in the subject they will  teach. Candidates will submit an official transcript showing their degree award details. The degree must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. 

  • Multiple Subject (MS): Major must be in Liberal Studies, Liberal Studies: Urban Education, Liberal Studies: Elementary Education, Liberal Arts, or Elementary Education.

  • Single Subject (SS): Major must be in one of the subjects named in Ed Code section 44257(a).

  • Ed Specialist (ES): Major must align with one of the acceptable majors for MS or SS credential.

5. Subject Matter Competency Combination: Combination of Methods

A combination of the methods described in 1, 2, or 3 above that, together, demonstrate that the candidate has met or exceeded the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(v), and 44282 (b), Title 5 Code of Regulations ยง80096.

Contact the Credentials & Graduate Admissions Office if you have questions.