Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need to submit them anywhere. Just have them on hand just in case your instructor or your fieldwork site asks to see them. Keep them handy, kind of like your drivers license.

Which type of credential are you interested in?

Yes, you can enroll in prerequisite and corequisite courses prior to being admitted to the program.

Not at this time.

YES! Two applications are required; one to CSULB and one to your credential program. Current CSULB undergraduates must also apply for Postbaccalaureate status the semester before they graduate. Apply to CSULB during the semester BEFORE you wish to begin your credential program at CSULB. Deadlines and instructions are available at:

/web/depts/enrollment/admissions/postbaccalaureate.html

Contact the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (TPAC)

You can read more at the individual web site for each of our credential programs. Complete Information about requirements is also available in the CSULB Catalog, available for purchase at the University Bookstore, or available online.

Contact the College of Education's Credential Center

Three basic credential programs are available: Multiple Subjects for those who wish to teach in a self-contained classroom (typically elementary school or middle schools who have block or core schedules where teachers teach more than one subject; Single Subject for those who wish to teach a particular subject in middle or high school; and Education Specialist, for those who wish to teach children and youth (from 5 to 22) with disabilities.

Yes. You must attempt the CBEST in order to apply to any of the basic credential programs, though you do not have to have a passing score to be admitted to a credential program. It must be passed, however, before you apply to advance to Student Teaching.

Yes. Current regulations require that all students applying to the Multiple Subject Credential Program or Education Specialist Level I Credential Program must take and pass the CSET (all three subtests for Multiple Subjects) before they can be admitted to the program.

Yes. The Elementary and Special Education Center sponsors a three hour workshop for each of the areas on CBEST prior to each administration of the exam. These workshops are free of charge, and are designed to complement your own self-study for the exam, but not be your only preparation for the exam.

If you need additional assistance beyond self study and the CBEST workshop, CBEST preparation courses are available for a fee through University College and Extension Services CSET preparation courses are also availble through University College and Extension Services.

RICA is the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment, and it is designed to ensure that multiple subject and education specialist teachers are proficient in teaching reading.  You must pass RICA before you can be issued either a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credential.  It is recommended that you not take the exam prematurely.  Be sure to at least complete your Reading and Language Arts methods courses before taking the exam.

RICA is not required in the Single Subject Credential Program.