Preliminary Credential Program Application Subject Matter Competency

Subject Matter Competency Application Requirement for Preliminary Credential Programs

Multiple Subject

Single Subject

Education Specialist

Candidates must demonstrate that they possess subject matter competency that aligns with the credential they are obtaining. SMC must be met prior to starting the program. There are five options in which a candidate can choose to meet SMC.

Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through completion of CSET Exams

Candidates that elect to satisfy this requirement through passage of applicable CSET exams. Candidates should register for the appropriate CSET exams and request for scores to be reported to SSU. CSET test dates, test registration procedures, deadlines, and test score reporting dates are available online. Once exams are passed, candidates must submit the PDF confirming proof of passage.

Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through completion of Subject Matter Waiver Program

Candidates that elect to satisfy this requirement through completion of a SM waiver program would have enrolled in a waiver program during their undergraduate studies. Upon completion of their degree, candidates are provided with a letter signed by the advisor of the program and the credential analyst which certifies they have met this requirement. 

Candidates that are in the final semester of their SM waiver program will submit a letter during the application process which states that they are currently completing a waiver program. Upon completion, the candidate will submit the signed letter to SOE.

Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through BA Degree

Candidates can elect to meet SMC through completion of an academic major in the subject they will  teach. Candidates will submit an official transcript which holds their degree.

  • Multiple Subject: Major must be in liberal studies

  • Single Subject: Major must be in one of the subjects named in Ed Code section 44257(a).

  • Ed Specialist: Major must align with one of the acceptable majors for MS or SS credential.

Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through coursework

Candidates can elect to meet SMC through a transcript evaluation. CTC has posted the Domains of Subject Matter which must be met through coursework. Candidates must have their coursework evaluated through an institution that currently provides an approved waiver program in the subject area that is being evaluated. SSU has approved waiver programs in Elementary Education, Math, English and Music. Candidates that wish to have transcripts evaluated in one of these areas, should contact the departments directly or the SoE for more information. 

NOTE: Programs may not be offering these evaluations at this point. Please visit the CTC website for a list of approved subject matter waiver programs by institution.

Subject Matter Competency: Satisfied through coursework and exams

Candidates that elect this option would first have coursework evaluated, and then satisfy the remaining domains by completing CSET exams

Contact the Credentials Office if you have questions.