Credential Completion Requirements

The Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-808CA (7/2022):

1. Obtain a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
2. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
3. One of the following requirements must be satisfied*:
   • Provide verification of subject-matter competence by passing the appropriate subject matter examination(s) as specified in Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination (Multiple Subject) leaflet CL-674M or Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination (Single Subject) leaflet CL-674S.**
   • Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program of course work or its equivalent and obtain certification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved subject-matter program.**
   • Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework must be completed at a regionally-accredited college or university and addresses each of the domains of the applicable subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission.
   • Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission. Such mixing of options may only be done by candidates enrolled in a Commission-approved preparation program.
4. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). RICA is not required for the area of Early Childhood Special Education, nor is it required of individuals who hold a valid California teaching credential which was issued based upon possession of a bachelor’s degree and completion of a teacher preparation program including student teaching. Visit the Evaluation Systems, Pearson website for more information.
5. Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution
6. Complete a Commission-approved Education Specialist Credential program in an education specialist specialty area resulting in formal recommendation by the Commission-approved program sponsor through which requirements are completed. Contact the institution for specific program requirements.

*Verification of subject-matter competence is not required for the area of Early Childhood Special Education, nor is it required of individuals who hold a valid California clear or life general education teaching credential based upon possession of a bachelor’s degree and completion of a professional teacher preparation program, including student teaching.

**The last administration of the examination in the Specialized Sciences was July 11, 2015. Applicants will have five years during which to use passing examination scores toward obtaining California certification. The last date to verify subject-matter equivalency by coursework for any of the Specialized Sciences was July 11, 2015. See Coded Correspondence 14-09.

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Teaching Credential taken from Credential Leaflet CL-561C (6/2022):

1. Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
2. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
3. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:
   • Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject matter examination(s). Information regarding the appropriate subject matter examination(s), including passing scores and registration, can be found in Commission leaflet CL-674M, entitled Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials.
   • Complete a Commission-approved elementary subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an accredited program.
   • Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework must be completed at a regionally-accredited institution and addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content areas of the Multiple Subject Credential.
   • Complete a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university. For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, the degree major must be in liberal studies or an interdisciplinary major that includes coursework in the content areas identified in subdivision (b) of the California Education Code section 44282.
   • Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content areas of the Multiple Subject Credential. Such mixing of the options may only be done by candidates enrolled in a Commission-approved preparation program.
4. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). Visit the Evaluation Systems, Pearson website for more information.
5. Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university.
6. Complete a Commission-approved multiple subject teacher preparation program, that includes satisfying the following requirements (content listed below must be addressed in the program but does not require specific stand alone courses):
   • Developing English Language Skills, including Reading, by completing comprehensive reading instruction that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques
   • Instruction in foundational and advanced computer technology that includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers and technology in educational settings
   • Instruction in Health Education, including, but not limited to, nutrition; the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotics, and drug abuse; the use of tobacco; and provide verification of training in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child, and adult CPR skills that meets the standards established by the American Heart Association or Red Cross
7. Obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor.

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Teaching Credential taken from Credential Leaflet CL-560C (2/2022):

1. Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree, except in professional education, from a regionally-accredited college or university
2. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
3. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:
   • Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s). Information, including passing scores and registration, can be found in Commission leaflet CL-674S entitled Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials.
   • Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program.
   • Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework must be completed at a regionally-accredited institution and addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Single Subject Credential.
   • Complete a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in one of the statutory subjects available for a Single Subject Teacher Credential as listed. Degree major must be in the subject area being sought.
   • Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Single Subject Credential. Such mixing of options may only be done by candidates enrolled in a Commission-approved preparation program.
4. Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university.
5. Complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program, that includes satisfying the following requirements (content listed below must be addressed in the program but does not require specific standalone courses):
   • Developing English Language Skills, including Reading, by completing comprehensive reading instruction that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques.
   • Instruction in foundational and advanced computer technology that includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers and technology in educational settings.
   • Instruction in Health Education, including, but not limited to, nutrition; the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotics, and drug abuse; the use of tobacco; and provide verification of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child, and adult CPR skills that meets the standards established by the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
6. Obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor.

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-574C (2/2022):

1. Possess a valid prerequisite credential (see Terms and Definitions section of CL-574C).
2. Complete one of the following:
   • A Commission-approved program of specialized and professional preparation in administrative services, including the Administrative Performance Assessment (APA), resulting in the formal recommendation of the program sponsor or,
   • A one-year Commission-approved administrative services intern program consisting of supervised in-service training resulting in the formal recommendation by the California college or university where the program was completed or,
   • Achieve a passing score on the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE), administered by Evaluation Systems, Pearson
     • Passing examination scores must be used for credentialing purposes within ten years of the passing exam date*
     • Individuals who pass the above examination may apply directly to the Commission for the credential
     • Include an original score report showing passage of the examination with the application
3. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
4. Complete five years of full-time experience (see Terms and Definitions section of CL-574C).
5. Verify employment in an administrative position on form CL-777.

*The February 2015 administration of the CPACE was the final administration of the original exam. A revised version of the exam began to be administered July 8, 2015. Test scores from the original CPACE exam cannot be combined with scores from the revised CPACE to obtain the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Test scores from the original CPACE exam will remain valid for five years for certification from the passing exam date. See Coded Correspondence 17-01. For more information on administration of the CPACE, see the CPACE website.

An individual who has completed requirements 1–4 above but does not have an offer of employment in an administrative position may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, which verifies completion of all requirements for the preliminary credential and authorizes the holder to seek employment as an administrator. The Certificate of Eligibility has no expiration date. Once securing an offer of employment, the holder of a Certificate of Eligibility may apply for the preliminary credential by submitting an application (form 41-4), a Verification of Employment Form (CL-777), and current processing fee to the Commission office.

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-606C (7/2022):

1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 48 semester units in a Commission-approved professional preparation program specializing in school counseling, including a practicum with school-aged children.
3. Obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school counseling. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online.
4. Complete the Basic Skills Requirement. See Commission Leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
5. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process (form 41-LS).
6. Pay the application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659) once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university. Individuals will be notified via email that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database.

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-606C (7/2022):

1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester units in a California Commission-approved professional preparation program specializing in school psychology, including a practicum with school-aged children.
3. Obtain the recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school psychology. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online.
4. Complete the Basic Skills Requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information.
5. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process (form 41-LS).
6. Pay the application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659) once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university. Individuals will be notified via email that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database.

The School Social Work Credential Program at CSULB includes Child Welfare and Attendance. Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-606C (7/2022):

1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 45 semester units in a Commission-approved professional preparation program specializing in school social work, including a practicum with school-aged children.
3. Complete a professional preparation program specializing in school child welfare and attendance services including a minimum of 150 clock hours of supervised school-based field experience engaging in supervised practice in the following areas: student attendance, student enrollment and discipline, educational records, parent engagement, and legal and ethical compliance related to pupil services.
4. Obtain the recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school social work, as well as the additional supervised school-based field experience in school child welfare and attendance services. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online as an additional CWA authorization to the PPS credential.
5. Complete the Basic Skills Requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
6. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process (form 41-LS).
7. Pay the application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659) once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university. Individuals will be notified via email that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database.

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-879 (2/2022):

1. A Commission-approved specialized preparation program resulting in the formal recommendation for the credential by the college or university where the program was completed.*
2. Complete the Basic Skills Requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information.
3. Hold or have been recommended for a master’s degree or higher in speech-language pathology from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The master’s degree program must be accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation.
4. An application must be submitted online by the recommending institution.
5. If not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt is also required (form 41-LS). This form should be given to the credential analyst at the recommending institution prior to online application submission.

*The institution of higher education may recommend the California-prepared candidate for a clear credential instead of a preliminary if the candidate meets all of the requirements for both the preliminary and the clear credential.

The Teacher Librarian Services Credential Program at CSULB includes the Special Class Authorization. Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements taken from Credential Leaflet CL-562 (1/2022):

1. A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
2. Hold a valid prerequisite California teaching credential as follows:
   • a credential that required completion of a professional teacher preparation program, including student teaching, or
   • a clear full-time designated subjects teaching credential, provided the holder also possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and has passed the basic skills proficiency test.
3. Complete one of the following:
   • A Commission-approved Teacher Librarian Services Credential program, securing the formal recommendation of the California college or university where the program was completed.
   • A professional preparation program in teacher librarian services including successful completion of a supervised field work, or the equivalent, in a program taken outside California of at least 30 graduate semester units, that is comparable to a program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation. The program must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and approved by the appropriate state agency where the coursework was completed. Official transcripts must be submitted, along with a photocopy of the out-of-state credential or a letter from the issuing state’s licensing agency verifying eligibility for the credential.
4. Completion of a Commission-approved Special Class Authorization program of professional preparation, based on the Teacher Librarian Services Credential and Special Class Authorization in Information and Digital Literacy Program Standards (rev. 2011).
5. Satisfy the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667 for additional information. Individuals who completed their professional preparation program out-of-state may contact their California employer about the possibility of obtaining a One-Year Nonrenewable (OYNR) credential pending completion of the basic skills requirement.
6. Possession of an English learner authorization issued by the Commission (excludes English learner authorizations on teaching permits). See Credential Leaflet CL-622 for more information.