Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CL-871)

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Requirements for Individuals Prepared Outside of the United States

California has a two-tier credential structure. A five year preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements. A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed.

A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. However, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, K–12, inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults). In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting. 

The preliminary credential is issued for a maximum of five years. If requirements for the clear credential are not completed before the expiration of the preliminary, the holder will be unable to teach in California’s public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the document is renewed.

Individuals who have completed their teacher preparation program outside of the United States and have also earned a comparable teaching credential issued by a US state other than California should refer to Commission leaflet CL-561, entitled Multiple Subject Teaching Credential-Requirements for Individuals Prepared Out-of-State.

Your Application Packet

Individuals who have completed their professional preparation program outside of the United States may apply directly to the Commission for their initial credential by submitting an application packet by mail consisting of all of the following:

1. Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LS). Out-of-country residents must submit two fingerprint cards in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet in addition to the application processing fee. Fingerprint cards may be ordered by sending an email to the Commission at OutofStateFPs@ctc.ca.gov.
   
   
2. Application processing fee.
   
   
3. Foreign transcript evaluation (see Commission leaflet CL-635 entitled Foreign Transcript Evaluation for additional information).

Requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program outside of the United States may apply directly to the Commission for their initial credential by submitting an application packet consisting of all of the following:

1. Foreign transcript evaluation showing completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a college or university that has been deemed to be equivalent to a regionally-accredited institution in the United States.
   
   
2. Foreign transcript evaluation showing completion of a professional preparation program in elementary education, including student teaching, taken at a college or university that has been deemed to be equivalent to a regionally-accredited institution in the United States.
   
   
3. Issued or eligible for a comparable teaching credential earned in a country other than the United States. The credential does not have to be valid at the time of application. A photocopy of the credential is acceptable verification of this requirement.
   

Requirements for the Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Satisfy the basic skills requirement prior to the issuance of the preliminary credential or within one year of the issuance of the preliminary credential in order to be eligible to continue teaching. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information.
   
   
2. Developing English Language Skills including Reading – individuals must satisfy one of the following requirements:
   
   
   1. Complete a course in Developing English Language Skills, including Reading, that is research-based and includes the study of phonemic awareness, spelling patterns, early intervention techniques, ongoing diagnostic techniques, and a strong literature, language, and comprehension component (Submit a copy of the course description for evaluation purposes).
      
      
   2. Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). For more information, visit the Commission’s website or the Evaluation Systems, Group of Pearson website.
      
      
3. U.S. Constitution – individuals must satisfy one of the following requirements:
   
   
   1. Complete a course (at least two semester units or three quarter units) in the Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution from a regionally accredited college or university (Submit a copy of the course description for evaluation purposes).
      
      
   2. Pass an examination in the Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution given by a regionally-accredited college or university.
      
      
4. Subject Matter Competence – Subject matter competence may be verified by one of the following methods:
   
   
   1. Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject matter examination(s). Information regarding the appropriate subject matter examination(s), including passing scores and registration, can be found in Commission leaflet CL-674M, entitled Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials.
      
   2. Complete a Commission-approved elementary 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 accredited program.
   3. Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework must be completed at a regionally-accredited institution (or one that has been deemed to be equivalent to a regionally-accredited institution in the United States) and addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content areas of the Multiple Subject Credential.
   4. Complete a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university (or one that has been deemed to be equivalent to a regionally-accredited institution in the United States). For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, the degree major must be in liberal studies or an interdisciplinary major that includes coursework in the content areas identified in subdivision (b) of California Education Code section 44282.
   5. Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content areas of the Multiple Subject Credential. Such mixing of options may only be done by candidates enrolled in a Commission-approved preparation program.

    

5. Individuals must satisfy one of the following requirements:
   
   
   1. Complete a Commission-approved Professional Teacher Induction Program. (See Terms and Definitions) Verification of training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child, and adult CPR skills is also required.
      
      
   2. If a Commission-approved professional teacher induction program is not available (this must be verified by the employing agency), individuals may complete a Commission-approved General Education Clear credential program, securing that institution’s formal recommendation for the clear credential.

Course Work Submitted for a Credential

Individuals must have an overall grade point average of “C” or better on a five-point scale in all course work offered toward fulfillment of credential requirements. Continuing education units (CEU’s) and professional development units are not acceptable to fulfill credential requirements. A course description or a letter from the appropriate department chairperson verifying the content of the course work should be enclosed with the credential application for course work in Developing English Language Skills including Reading and U.S. Constitution.

Terms and Definitions

Commission-approved Professional Teacher Induction Program
A Commission-approved Professional Teacher Induction Program is a two-year program of situated learning for the preliminary credentialed teacher. Once completed, the induction program sponsor will submit the application for the clear credential using the Commission’s online application process.