Critical Bilingual Authorization

Applying is straightforward—choose your pathway and follow the steps below.

If you’re applying to an SJSU credential program (PK–3 ECE, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist)

     - Apply through CSU Apply and check the Bilingual Authorization option.
     - Complete the additional essay: “Why I want to be a bilingual teacher.”

Spanish: write the essay in Spanish
Mandarin: write the essay in Mandarin
Vietnamese: write the essay in English

After you submit your application, you’ll be interviewed by the Bilingual Authorization coordinators (language and program fit).

Choose the option that fits your teaching goals and language background:

Becoming a Bilingual Teacher — Spanish
CBAP supports future bilingual educators with coursework and field experiences designed for dual immersion/bilingual classrooms. 

Becoming a Bilingual Teacher — Mandarin/Vietnamese
CBAP offers a Mandarin option at SJSU and Vietnamese coursework through the Asian Language BTEP Consortium/CSU Fullerton partnership.

Important (Vietnamese applicants)
- SJSU does not recommend Vietnamese bilingual authorization. Vietnamese CBAP candidates complete coursework through CSU Fullerton, and CSU Fullerton recommends the authorization. 

For credential holders adding the authorization
Submit your completed bilingual authorization application to the SJSU credential office: credentials@sjsu.edu

To demonstrate language proficiency, candidates may use:

     - CSET Subtest III (Spanish, Mandarin or Vietnamese), or
     - A degree in the target language, or a degree from a target-language institution

CBAP coursework builds strong foundations in cultural awareness, linguistic diversity, critical consciousness, and BTPE-aligned bilingual teaching practices.

Spanish coursework highlights (in-person)
     - EDTE 208B: Bilingual Educational Sociology (3 units)
     - EDTE 262B: Classroom Issues in Language/Literacy Development of Emergent Bilinguals (3 units)
     -These courses are revisited in a two-semester bilingual seminar sequence connected to field placements.

Mandarin coursework highlights (online)
     - EDTE 208M: Culture, Education, and Power for Mandarin-English Bilinguals (3 units)  
     - EDTE 262M: Language Methods and Equity for Mandarin-English Bilinguals (3 units)

Students outside SJSU (including those currently enrolled at another CSU) may take CBAP coursework through SJSU Open University.

Single-Subject and Education Specialists candidates who are not in a Spanish language setting, receive a two week “mini-placement” in which they complete:

     - 20 hours of field experience required for the bilingual authorization and are supported by a bilingual mentor teacher.
     - Candidates also receive related support within the bilingual seminar, when applicable.

Interns secure the 20 hours of field experience required for the bilingual authorization through an Individualized Plan designed in collaboration with the program’s bilingual coordinator.

All candidates regardless of program (PK–3 ECE, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist) need to pass the CSET III, except secondary candidates who earned a BA in Spanish or earned a BA from a Spanish speaking country. 

See below for official language from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

     - Bilingual Authorizations (CL-628b)

Teachers who hold a valid, non-emergency California Single Subject or Standard Secondary Teaching Credential with a major in a language other than English need not take Test II or III of the CSET: World Languages Exam to qualify for a bilingual authorization in that language. Teachers who hold a three-year or higher degree from a foreign institution in which all instruction is delivered in a language other than English also do not need to take Test II or III to qualify for a bilingual authorization in that language. The foreign institution must be equivalent in status to a regionally-accredited institution of higher education in the United States.