Preliminary Teaching Credentials
Multiple/Single Subject and
Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate)
The Preliminary Teaching Credential program at USD is offered through the Department of Learning and Teaching, designed for students wishing to serve as educators in K-12 settings at California schools.
Multiple/Single Subject, and Education Specialist Credential Handbook
"Preparing to be a Teacher" Contract
Credential Program Admissions and Application Deadline Information
Requirements:
Certificate of Clearance
A livescan fingerprint clearance and background check through the CTC is required upon admission to the credential program. Forms and information are available from the Credential Analyst. Follow the instructions and submit the completed forms to the Credential Analyst. If one already holds a California credential, such as an emergency or sub permit, submit a copy to the Credential Analyst. Note that additional fingerprinting and fees may be required by the employing district when hired. The certificate of clearance must be posted on the CTC web site prior to admission to student teaching.
- Certificate of Clearance Instructions
- Contract for Preparing to be a Teacher
Basic Skills Requirement
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is required before admission to a credential program. The test consists of 3 parts including reading, writing and mathematics. For information on registration, the tests, test dates, passing scores and to view a sample test visit the exam web site. There is a fee to take the CBEST, and is now computer based. The test is offered year-round in locations throughout California. A copy of passing verification must be submitted to the Credential Analyst prior to student teaching. Graduate Multiple Subject and Education Specialist students see Subject Matter Competency below for an alternative option.
Subject Matter Competency - CSET or approved program
The CSET: Multiple Subject Subtests I, II, and III are required of all Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credential candidates. Single Subject candidates must pass all of the subtests of the CSET exam in the appropriate subject area or complete an approved program if available. Contact the Credential Analyst regarding available approved programs. Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credential candidates may elect to meet both the basic skills requirements and subject matter competence by passing the 3 CSET multiple subject subtests and the CSET Writing Skills test. This option will be most attractive to graduate Multiple Subject and Education Specialist students who need to complete the Basic Skills Requirement upon admission and wish to complete the subject matter requirement at the same time. For information on CSET registration, the tests, test dates, passing scores and to view sample tests visit the exam web site. There is a fee to take the CSET, and it is now computer based. The tests are offered year-round in locations throughout California. The CSET must have been passed within 5 years and a copy of passing verification submitted to the Credential Analyst prior to admission to student teaching.
Bachelor's Degree
Submit official transcripts from the university in which you received your degree.
U.S. Constitution
College level course or examination in U.S. Constitution (History 117 or Political Science 125 at USD) or a passing score on a valid U.S. Constitution exam. Please refer to the Credential Handbook for more information.
RICA
The Reading Instruction Competency Exam (RICA) is required of Multiple Subject and/or Level I Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) credential candidates. The RICA exam tests the competencies taught in the Methods of Teaching Reading course and should be taken upon completion of EDUC 383/583. For information on registration, the tests, test dates, passing scores and to view a sample test visit the exam web site. There is a fee to take the RICA, and is now computer based. The test is offered year-round in locations throughout California.
CPR
Current infant child and adult CPR certification
Transcripts
Submit official transfer transcripts to the Credential Analyst
Credential Application
The credential application can be found on page 22 of the Multiple/Single Subject, and Education Specialist Credential Handbook. When all credential requirements have been completed, including student teaching and final grades being posted to the USD transcript, the credential application is then approved by the Chairperson of the Department of Learning and Teaching. The Credential Analyst will then submit the credential recommendation on-line to the CTC. The candidate will receive an e-mail from the CTC asking for a payment of the credential fee by credit card. When that process is completed the CTC sends the candidate e-mail verification of the credential to be printed out and shown to employers.
