Subject Matter Competency

California Education Code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential must demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter area of their intended credential.  Recent action by the Governor and the Legislature on AB 130 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2021) has expanded the ways in which candidates may demonstrate subject matter proficiency.  

Subject matter competency may be demonstrated through one of the following options: 

1) Completion of a subject matter program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. At CSULB, our Liberal Studies program is the approved Elementary Subject Matter Program.  
 
2) Passage of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). For Multiple Subject Candidates must pass the CSET Multiple Subject Subtest 101, 214 and 103.  

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

  • For multiple subject credential candidates, a liberal studies degree

4) Through completion of coursework aligned with the subject matter domains. Candidates wishing to use this option must request an evaluation from the Department of Liberal Studies. Evaluations are only available to current CSULB students that are enrolled in the MSCP pre-requisite courses. 

5) Through a combination of coursework and CSET exams. Candidates may mix and match coursework and CSET exams. For more information on how to request an evaluation for satisfying one or more of the CSET subtests via coursework, see the Department of Liberal Studies website.   

Subject Matter Competency and MSCP Admission 

Candidates must satisfy the Subject Matter Competency (SMC) requirement to be considered for admission to the Multiple Subject Credential Program. 

  • Candidates using the CSET exam to satisfy SMC must PASS all three subtests and submit official scores with your program application. 

  • Candidates using their degree in Liberal Studies must subject transcripts showing completion/ conferral of your Liberal Studies Degree. 

  • Candidates that are using a combination of coursework and CSET exams to satisfy SMC will need to submit proof of coursework evaluation and passing CSET scores for outstanding subtests with your program application.  

  • Candidates that complete a CTC approved subject matter program must submit an official subject matter verification letter with your MSCP Application.