Steps to Earning Your Credential
Timeline Information
The process for earning your credential are provided in steps 1-7. The steps should be completed in order. All steps are required for both the School Counseling (Pupil Personnel) Credential and Teacher Credential unless otherwise specified. Specific additional requirements for teacher credential candidates are listed at the bottom of this page.
The final step is to request a credential recommendation. Depending on the credential you are applying for, the process will differ. Please see the tab for your specific credential below.
Additional information on earning the School Counseling (Pupil Personnel) Credential can be found in the PPS Credential Handbook. Additional information on earning the Teacher Credential can be found in the Teacher Credential Handbook.
Note: Some steps may require a fee, which will be outlined in each step if applicable.
Credential Analyst
The SOLES' Credential Analyst is responsible for assuring that School Counseling and Teacher Credential candidates have completed all California State requirements in order to be recommended by SOLES for the credential.
Contact the SOLES Credential Analyst:
James McCarty |
jmccarty@sandiego.edu |
(619) 260-4821 |
Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, 224B |
Make an appointment with the Credential Analyst via his calendly.
Note: If you are looking for a letter of good standing, please contact the Credential Analyst.
Steps 1-7
Additional Requirements for Teacher Credential
These requirements do not need to be done in any specific order, but do need to be completed by the end of the program.
A course or examination in the U.S. Constitution is required for all Multiple and Single Subject and Education Specialist credentials. Candidates with Advanced Placement credit must supply the credential analyst with a copy of AP results from the USD Registrar’s Office. USD courses that fulfill this requirement: Political Science 125, History 117.
Alternative options:
- A course equivalent to Political Science 125 or History 117
- BA from a California CSU
- Passing scores in the U.S. Constitution Exam
There is a fee to take this exam.
An English linguistics course for English Learner Authorization (ELA) must be completed in the first year of the program. USD courses that fulfill this requirement: EDTE 501P, EDTE 502P-EDTE 509P, EDTE 512P.
Submit proof of negative Tuberculosis reading (must be valid within 2 years)
Final Step: Request Credential Recommendation
Students should request a credential recommendation after ALL requirements are completed.
Please fill out the PPS (People Personnel Services) Credential Recommendation Request form in Tevera so that the SOLES Credential Analysts can begin to recommend you for the PPS Credential with the CTC. Normal review and processing time for the Credential Analyst is 14 days from submission date.
Please note: Once the Credential Analysts recommends you, you will need to complete the recommendation with the CTC, which will require paying the CTC the credential fee.
Recommendations