When I was looking for a Teacher Education Program, I was looking for a program whose values aligned with mine.
I don’t see teaching as a job. I see teaching as part of who I am and as a way to enact change in this world.”
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter area of their intended credential before clinical practice, as required by the California Education Code. AB 130 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2021) and AB 126 (Chap. 65, Stats. 2026) have expanded how candidates can demonstrate subject-matter proficiency.
California offers five ways to satisfy subject-matter competency. This website information is current as of September 2026.
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 table below lists the eligible majors. PSA 26-04 also notes a degree major in a closely related area can be used. A minor does not qualify as meeting subject matter via degree.
- The Commission on Teacher Credentialing posts approved majors here. Below is a chart with the credentials we offer.
| Intended Credential | A degree that meets subject matter competency |
| Education Specialist |
|
| English |
|
| Mathematics |
|
| Multiple Subject |
|
| Science |
|
| Social Science |
|
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 credentialing. For more information about which exams you should take, click on this link.
Education Specialist credential candidates can take any 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
- Science
- Social Science
- Multiple Subject candidates, please look at the chart below.
| Question | Notes | Review Required |
| Is your major interdisciplinary and include coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282? | If so, review the form in the next column. To submit coursework review for an interdisciplinary major, you must:
|
Interdisciplinary Review |
| If your major did not meet the requirements detailed above, then you will want to complete the long review. | Long Review |
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 of your undergraduate institution, verifying 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”
TEP Novice Year at UCLA Community School