What is the CA basic skills requirement?

The basic skills requirement is for all future credentialed teachers. Until recently, most students met the requirement through qualifying exam scores including the CBEST, CSET, AP, SAT, ACT, etc. However, a new law has expanded the options for meeting the requirement.  Now, you may meet the requirement by a BA degree.

For a complete list of options, please visit the CTC Educator Credentialing Assessments website.

What is a subject matter requirement?

There are several options for satisfying the subject matter requirement . All candidates who need to meet the subject matter requirement for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects as one method of satisfying the subject matter requirement or major in BA Liberal Studies, for example. Candidates applying for a Single Subject Teaching Credential or an Education Specialist Instruction Credential may pass the appropriate examination(s) of the CSET as one method of satisfying the subject matter requirement if their BA degree does not meet the requirements found online.

More information about the subject matter requirement can be found online at https://www.ctc.ca.gov/educator-prep/subject-matter-requirements.

What is the CSET exam?

The California Subject Examination for Teachers is an exam or series of exams taken by multiple-subject (elementary) teachers or secondary (middle/high school) teachers in California. CSET Exams are often taken after transfer at the university as part of your educator preparation program’s pathway if one’s major does not meet “subject matter requirements” for the grade/subject you wish to teach.  

More information about CSET exams can be found online at https://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=GEN_AboutCSET.html.