San Jose State University : Secondary Education

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Credential Requirements in California

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. The degree must be taken in a field other than professional education. A bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the Program.


CBEST

A passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). This examination is offered several times each year at locations throughout California.


Subject Matter Competency

Credential candidates must demonstrate competence in the subject(s) they intend to teach. Competence can be demonstrated in one of three ways:

  1. Complete an approved subject matter preparation program of studies in the subject you want to teach.
  2. Pass the CSET examinations in that subject.
  3. For specified areas of science, hold a masters degree in that area.  Individuals are limited to teaching only in the specified science area.

    NOTE: The standards for Subject Matter Competence have been determined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. An undergraduate major or a Master's Degree in a subject area does not guarantee subject matter competence.

San Jose State University offers subject matter preparation programs in the following areas:


Professional Preparation

A completed program of professional preparation. Professional preparation varies somewhat depending upon your teaching subject area and credential objective.


U.S. Constitution

A course or passing test score on the U.S. Constitution. You must have passed a college level course or approved exam on the U.S. Constitution to be eligible for a California teaching credential. Check with an advisor in Secondary Education to ensure you have met this requirement.


CPR

Verification of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child, and adult CPR skills.  This training must be completed while enrolled in a teacher preparation program and must be valid when applying for a Single Subject California Preliminary Credential.

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