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 2023.

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, a liberal studies major or another degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.

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 they wish to teach. 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

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. “Pass”, “Credit” or another designation deemed by the institution of higher education to be the equivalent to a grade of “C” or higher

Below you will find links to worksheets UCLA TEP has created by 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

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. “Pass”, “Credit” or another designation deemed by the institution of higher education to be the equivalent to a grade of “C” or higher