Subject-Matter Competency Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that they are proficient in the subject matter area of their intended credential before clinical practice, as required by California Education Code. AB 130 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2021) has expanded how candidates may demonstrate subject matter proficiency.

There are five ways to satisfy subject-matter competency in the state of California.  The information we have on this website is as of August 2024.

1. Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Degree

Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:

• For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.   The degree must be in an academic major that is an exact match to the credential.  A minor does not qualify as meeting subject matter via degree. The table below lists the eligible majors:

• For multiple subject credentials, majors in Liberal Studies, Liberal Studies: Urban Education, Liberal Studies: Elementary Education, Liberal Arts, Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, or another academic degree major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
• For Education Specialist credentials, subject matter can be met through any of the academic degrees approved for use for the Multiple or Single Subject credential areas.

If there are questions about a particular major that is not listed here, the program will consult with the CTC for guidance.

2. Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Exam (CSET)

You will find test schedules, sites, registration, and other important information for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) on the CSET website.

Students must pass all subtests for the subject matter area in which they are seeking to be credentialed. For more information about which exams you should take, click on the links below:

• Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials
• Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials

Education Specialist credential candidates can take any of the CSET Examinations approved for Multiple or Single-Subject Credentials.

3. Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Coursework

Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation.  Courses must:

• Be degree applicable and non-remedial
• Have been taken at a regionally accredited college or university
• Have been taken for academic credit (earned units)
• Have earned a grade of a C or better or a “Pass.”

Below are links to worksheets that UCLA TEP has created based on credential area.  We are reviewing coursework only for students admitted to UCLA TEP who accept their admission.

• English
• Mathematics
• Multiple Subjects/Elementary
• Science
• Social Science

Education Specialist credential candidates may choose to have coursework reviewed in one of the subject matter areas listed above.

4. Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Subject Matter Preparation Program

If you have completed a subject matter preparation program in your credential area, you will have satisfied subject matter competency. This program would be offered through your undergraduate institution.  UCLA has subject matter preparation programs in Mathematics (Math for Teaching) and Music (Music Education).

At the end of your subject matter preparation program, you will receive a letter signed by the Credential Analyst, in which they confirm that you have met subject matter competency.

5. Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Coursework and Exam Combination

Through some combination of coursework and examinations to meet the content for all required subtests. Courses must:

• Be degree applicable and non-remedial
• Have been taken at a regionally accredited college or university
• Have been taken for academic credit (earned units)
• Have earned a grade of a C or better or a “Pass”