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Adding Authorizations to an Existing Credential
How do I add a secondary teaching credential to my elementary teaching credential?
The holder of a valid Multiple Subject, Standard (Fisher), or General basic teaching credential may obtain a single 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 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and am seeking a Single Subject Teaching Credential.
All of the following must be satisfied:
- Verify specialty area subject matter competence either by exam or by completing a Commission-approved subject matter program.
- Complete a three-semester-unit or four-quarter-unit course in methodology directly related to teaching in a departmentalized setting. Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.
- Submit a completed application [PDF], supporting documentation, and current processing fee [PDF] either through your employing agency or directly to the Commission office.
I hold a valid Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and am seeking a Single Subject Teaching Credential.
All of the following must be satisfied:
- Verify specialty area subject matter competence either by exam or by completing a Commission-approved subject matter program.
- Complete a three-semester-unit or four-quarter-unit course in methodology directly related to teaching in a departmentalized classroom, excluding the methods of teaching reading. Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.
- Out-of-state prepared applicants only: Complete 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 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
- Out-of-state prepared applicants only: Complete course work in developing English language skills for beginning readers or pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), unless this requirement was satisfied for the issuance of the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Contact the education department at a four-year California college or university for more information.
- Submit a completed application [PDF], supporting documentation, 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 am seeking a Single Subject (Secondary) Teaching Credential.
All of the following must be satisfied:
- Verify specialty area subject matter competence either by exam or by completing a Commission-approved subject matter program.
- Submit a completed application [PDF], supporting documentation, 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 Single Subject Teaching Credential valid for five years. If a fifth year of study has not been completed, a five-year preliminary Single 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 in methodology directly related to teaching in a departmentalized setting. 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 [PDF] for Single Subject Teaching Credentials. You will be required to take and pass all of the subtests listed for any given subject area.
Can I take course work to satisfy subject matter competence in lieu of taking the subject matter examinations?
Yes. You can 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 in lieu of taking subject matter examinations.
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 only has the authority to evaluate subject matter competence for the specialized science subjects. For all other subject areas, you must either pass the subject matter examination(s) or contact a California college or university with a Commission-approved subject matter program and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department.
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
- Available Subjects for the Single Subject Teaching Credential
- Adding Authorizations to Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credentials [PDF]
- Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials [PDF] (information leaflet)
- Commission-Approved Subject-Matter Programs
More about Subject Matter Competence
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California issues Single Subject Teaching Credentials in the following subject areas:
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