Subject Matter Requirements

Demonstration of Subject Matter

California Education Code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential must demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter area of their intended credential.

Subject Matter Competence Evaluation Steps (Updated October 2026)
This document provides guidance to programs on the steps for completing a subject matter competence evaluation for teacher candidates.

Program Sponsor Alert 26-04, September 2026
This program sponsor alert provides the latest guidance to programs on the options for candidates to satisfy the subject matter competence requirement. This includes updates from AB 126 (2026).

Appropriate Degree Majors to Satisfy Subject Matter Competence, Updated October 2026
This webpage has been updated to reflect the appropriate degree majors that satisfy subject matter competence without the need for a coursework evaluation.

Domains of the Subject Matter Requirements, Updated September 2026
This document contains descriptive information on each credential subject area of the content in each domain as developed by content experts and adopted by the Commission. This document will be useful for educator preparation programs to determine if coursework taken by a candidate addresses the content in the subject matter domains. This document will be a necessary tool for preparation programs to verify demonstration of subject matter through coursework or through the combination/coursework option.

Note: The subject matter requirements on this page do not apply to PK-3 credential candidates. For information about PK-3 SMR please see the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared in California (CL-912) credential leaflet.