Basic Skills Requirement

Applicants must fulfill the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR), as required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) is composed of Reading, Writing, and Math and must be met for admission to all Basic Credential programs. It can be satisfied by completing one of the following methods:

1. Pass the CBEST
   Individuals only need to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) once; CBEST passing scores remain valid indefinitely for all credential and employment purposes. To pass the CBEST, one must obtain a minimum scaled score of 41 in each of the three sections—reading, writing, and mathematics. However, a score as low as 37 on an individual section is acceptable if the total scaled score is at least 123. Any or all sections of the CBEST can be repeated as many times as necessary to obtain a passing score. For more information, see the CTC-Exam website.

2. Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
   Passage of the CSET: Writing Skills examination (test #142) can be added to the passage of the CSET: Multiple Subjects Examination (subtests #101, 214, & 103) to meet the basic skills requirement. Passing exam scores used to meet the basic skills requirement remain valid indefinitely. For more information, see the CTC-Exam This option may only be used for candidates taking the CSET: Multiple Subjects Examination for Subject Matter. The CSET: Writing skills subtest may not be added to a Single Subject CSET or a subject matter program.

3. Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
   Passing scores on the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP) (English and Mathematics sections) or the CSU Placement Examinations (English Placement Test [EPT] and Entry Level Mathematics [ELM]) are sufficient to meet the basic skills requirement. See Coded Correspondence 09-03 for additional information. Passing exam scores remain valid indefinitely to meet the basic skills requirement. See the table below for passing scores.

1. Achieve a Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
   Previously, individuals earning a score of 500 or higher on the Critical Reading (previously Verbal) section of the SAT exam combined with a score of 550 or higher on the SAT Mathematics exam is determined to have met the basic skills requirement.A restructuring of the SAT has adjusted the qualifying scores on the revised Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematics examinations required to meet the basic skills requirement. The new scores listed have been deemed by the College Board as equivalent to the scores shown for the examinations as administered prior to this revision. See Table 2-3 below.An individual having earned a score of 22 or higher on the ACT English exam combined with a score of 23 or higher on the ACT Mathematics exam is determined to have met the basic skills requirement. See below.

5. College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
   Students who achieve a score of 3 or higher on the College Board AP English exam and AP Calculus or AP Statistics exam may also use these exam scores to meet the basic skills requirement. See Table 5 below for how the scores may be applied.

6. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
   Individuals may meet the requirement by providing official transcripts to a Commission-approved preparation program or submitted with their application packet to the Commission. The transcripts must show the passage of courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as outlined below. Courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited college or university for credit, passed with a grade of B or better, be degree applicable, and be at least 3-semester units (or equivalent quarter units). Pass/Credit acceptable if institution does not issue letter grades. Qualifying coursework does not include professional development or continuing education units or in-service training or workshops. Qualifying coursework includes the following:

UCLA TEP reviews coursework only for students admitted to UCLA TEP who accept their admission.

7. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam
   The Basic Skills Requirement can be met through a combination of applicable courses and qualifying exams. This option is only available through a Commission-approved preparation program. The qualifying coursework must meet the requirements described above. The mixing-and-matching of relevant components or components from all exam options permitted under current law is acceptable.