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Standards: Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credentials

Teacher candidates in California are required to demonstrate competence in the subject matter they will be authorized to teach. Candidates for the Single Subject Credential have two options available for satisfying this requirement. They can either complete a Commission-approved undergraduate subject matter preparation program or they can pass the appropriate Commission-adopted subject matter examination(s) (Education Code Sections 44280 and 44310). Because they satisfy the same requirement, these two options are to be as aligned and congruent as possible.

In California, subject matter preparation programs for prospective teachers are not the same as undergraduate degree programs. Post-secondary institutions govern academic programs that lead to the award of degrees, including baccalaureate degrees in English, mathematics, science and history. The Commission sets standards for academic programs that lead to the issuance of credentials. An applicant for a teaching credential must have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but the degree may be in a subject other than the one to appear on the credential. Similarly, degree programs for undergraduate students may or may not fulfill the Commission's standards for subject matter preparation. Completing an approved subject matter program that satisfies the standards enables a candidate to qualify for the single subject credential.

Elementary-Multiple Subject

Candidates for the Multiple Subject Credential must pass the appropriate Commission-adopted subject matter examination(s) (Education Code Sections 44280 and 44310). Multiple Subject Programs may be offered by an institution of higher education to help candidates develop subject matter competence. Candidates must pass the Commission-approved subject matter exam (CSET).

Standards of Program Quality and Effectiveness for the Subject Matter Requirement for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (2001) PDF MS Word

Secondary-Single Subject

At the October 2009 meeting the Commission took action to modify the review process for prospective subject matter programs. For more information please see PSA 09-12 [PDF]

Candidates for the Single Subject Credential have two options available for satisfying this requirement. They can either complete a Commission-approved subject matter preparation program or they can pass the appropriate Commission-adopted subject matter examination(s) (Education Code Sections 44280 and 44310). Because they satisfy the same requirement, these two options are to be as aligned and congruent as possible. Also see Prior Subject Matter Standards...

Single subject matter programs should include a matrix in their program to demonstrate their programs alignment to the Subject Matter Requirements. The sample matrixes below may be used or programs may construct their own. Please click below to download a Word version of a matrix.

Single Subject Matter Handbooks
(Includes Introduction, Standards, Submission Guidelines, Implementation Plan, and Subject Matter Requirements)
Agriculture (2006)
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Art (2006) -- Program Proposal Template[PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Business (2006)
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
English (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (Revised January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Industrial and Technology Education (2006)
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Health Science (2006)
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Home Economics (2006)
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Math (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (Revised January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Music (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Physical Education (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Foundational Science (2008)
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Science (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (Revised January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
Social Science (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (Revised January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
World Languages (2004) -- Program Proposal Template [PDF]
    Revised September 2010
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (January 2010)		 PDF MS Word
World Languages: American Sign Language (2005) PDF MS Word
World Languages: English Language Development (2012)
Alignment Matrix [MS Word] (May 2013)

• Also see Prior Subject Matter Standards



Updated May 22, 2013