Basic Credential Requirements & Types

The goal of our teacher preparation programs is to prepare qualified candidates for the teaching profession who will be able to effectively teach students with diverse cultural, linguistic, and developmental backgrounds. We hope to attract caring, dedicated, and thoughtful students who will become responsive teachers and specialists. A career in teaching offers a good beginning salary, excellent benefits, and an opportunity to work in a challenging and stimulating profession. CSULB offers a variety of educational programs to prepare students for a teaching career

Basic requirements for all credentials:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST; Basic skills test in language and math)
• U.S. Constitution requirement (College course or examination)
• Subject matter competence (passage of CSET; California Subject Examinations for Teachers for elementary and special education teachers; approved coursework or appropriate examinations for middle or high school teachers)
• Professional preparation program (often called a credential or fifth year program)
• Character clearance (fingerprint check)
• Level I Computer Technology competence

As a new student to the university who is interested in teaching as a career, you will want to contact a program advisor as soon as possible so that you are able to integrate your professional preparation into your undergraduate program plan.

Recommended undergraduate preparation and types of basic credentials:

Liberal Studies Department Web site

The preferred undergraduate degree for students interested in becoming elementary, middle school or special education teachers, the Liberal Studies Track I Program, or the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP),  is the major specifically designed for those seeking a career as elementary or special education teachers.   While changes brought about by passage of the federal No Child Left Behind Act mean that this major no longer takes the place of passing the CSET exam to demonstrate subject matter competence, it is still a good choice of major since the curriculum aligns with the subjects taught in the public schools.

Overview of Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP) Requirements

For students interested in becoming elementary or middle school teachers, the Multiple Subject Credential Program (MSCP) provides programs that lead to the 2042 Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential,  and the Bilingual Cross Cultural, Language and Academic Development credential in Spanish and Asian languages (BCLAD).

Overview of the Education Specialist Credential Program

For students interested in becoming special education teachers, the Education Specialist Credential Program is a two tier program in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and/or Moderate/Severe Disabilities that prepares education specialists to teach children and youth with disabilities.

Overview of the Single Subject Credential (SSCP) Program

For students interested in becoming high school and middle school teachers in a specific subject area, the Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP) provides single subject credentials in ten subject areas including art, English, foreign languages, health science, home economics, mathematics, music, physical education, science and social science.

Last update: 2/6/07