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Home Help Adding Authorizations Add an Elementary Credential

Adding Authorizations to an Existing Credential

How do I add an elementary teaching credential to my secondary teaching credential?

Holders of a valid Single Subject, Standard (Fisher), or General basic teaching credential may obtain a multiple subject instruction authorization without completing a full professional preparation program for that credential. The Commission refers to these as Added Authorizations.

I hold a valid Clear, Professional Clear, or Life Single Subject Teaching Credential and am seeking a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

All of the following must be satisfied:

  1. Verify elementary subject matter competence by exam (If you have obtained an elementary subject matter equivalency letter from a California college or university with a Commission-approved subject matter program, you have satisfied this requirement; however, the authorization listed on your credential will not be compliant with No Child Left Behind (NCLB). NCLB requires that you pass subject matter examinations.

  2. Submit official transcripts showing completion of a three-semester-unit or four-quarter-unit course in methodology directly related to teaching in a self-contained classroom, excluding the methods of teaching reading. Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.

  3. Submit official transcripts showing the completion of course work in developing English language skills for beginning readers or pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).

  4. Submit a completed application [PDF] and current current processing fee [PDF] either through your employing agency or directly to the Commission office.

I hold a valid Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential and am seeking a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

All of the following must be satisfied:

  1. Verify elementary subject matter competence by exam (If you have obtained an elementary subject matter equivalency letter from a California college or university with a Commission-approved subject matter program, you have satisfied this requirement; however, the authorization listed on your credential will not be compliant with No Child Left Behind (NCLB). NCLB requires that you pass subject matter examinations.

  2. Submit official transcripts showing completion of a three-semester-unit or four-quarter-unit course in methodology directly related to teaching in a self-contained classroom, excluding the methods of teaching reading. Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.

  3. Out-of-state prepared applicants only: Submit official transcripts showing completion of a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution, or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited community college, junior college, college, or university, unless this requirement was previously satisfied for the issuance of the Single Subject Teaching Credential.l

  4. Out-of-state prepared applicants only: Submit official transcripts showing completion of course work in developing English language skills for beginning readers or pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.

  5. Submit a completed application [PDF] and current processing fee [PDF] either through your employing agency or directly to the Commission office.

I hold a General or Standard Teaching Credential and would like to obtain a Multiple Subject (Elementary) Teaching Credential.

All of the following must be satisfied:

  1. Verify elementary subject matter competence by exam (If you have obtained an elementary subject matter equivalency letter from a California college or university with a Commission-approved subject matter program, you have satisfied this requirement; however, the authorization listed on your credential will not be compliant with No Child Left Behind [NCLB]. NCLB requires that you pass subject matter examinations.

  2. Submit a completed application [PDF] and current processing fee [PDF] either through your employing agency or directly to the Commission office.

Qualified applicants who have completed a fifth year of study beyond their bachelor's degree may be granted a Clear Ryan Multiple Subject Teaching Credential valid for five years. If a fifth year of study has not been completed, a five-year preliminary Ryan Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may be granted. If a preliminary credential is granted under this provision, the holder must complete the fifth year and obtain a formal recommendation from a California college or university with a Commission-approved teacher preparation program before the clear credential will be granted.

What type of teaching methods course is the Commission looking for?

A three-semester-unit or four-quarter-unit course directly related to teaching in a self-contained classroom, excluding the methods of teaching reading. Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.

Can I take an exam in lieu of the required teaching methods course?

No, only course work is accepted.

What exams do I need to take to satisfy subject matter competence?

Information regarding subject matter examinations, including passing scores and registration, can be found in Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination leaflet [PDF] for Multiple Subject.

Can I take course work to satisfy subject matter competence in lieu of the subject matter examinations?

You may, but it is not advised. If you have completed a Commission-approved subject-matter program, or its equivalent, and obtained verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university in lieu of taking subject matter examinations, a credential will be issued but the authorization will not be compliant with No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

Does my credential have to be valid in order to add an authorization?

Yes. The Commission cannot add an authorization to an expired credential.

Can the Commission evaluate my course work for subject matter competence?

No. The Commission does not have the authority to evaluate for elementary subject matter competence. You will need to pass the appropriate subject matter examination(s) in order to obtain this authorization, which will be compliant with No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

Do I have to send exam scores with my application?

No. However, the Commission reserves the right to request evidence of passage when necessary.

Do I need to submit official transcripts with my application?

Yes. Official transcripts are required if you file your application directly to the Commission office. The Commission will accept photocopies of your official transcripts if you file your application through an employing agency.

Additional Resources

More about Subject Matter Competence

Subject-matter competence may be verified by one of three methods:

  • achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s). Information, including passing scores and registration, can be found in Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials [PDF] or for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials [PDF] .

  • complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program, or its equivalent, and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved subject matter program (The availability of elementary subject matter programs at California colleges and universities may be limited as these programs continue to be phased out.)

  • for specialized science subjects only, individuals may take and pass the appropriate subject matter examinations or obtain verification of completion of subject-matter course work from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Information, including requirements and procedures, can be found in Coded Correspondence 03-0010 [PDF]




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Updated November 26, 2007