Examinations for the MSTEP Program
Assessments required for admission*:
1. Basic Skill Requirement - Multiple Subject Candidates can satisfy the basic skills requirement in one of the following ways and must be completed prior to admission:
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)–Multiple Subject plus CSET–Writing.
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP - Mathematics and English), OR
- Pass the CSU Placement Examinations (ELM and EPT)
- Achieve a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT
- College Board Advanced Placement Examinations
2. California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
CSET-Multiple Subject (CSET-MS)* - All Multiple Subject teacher candidates must satisfy subject matter competency by passing the CSET-MS (if you have not completed an approved subject matter waiver program). Passing scores on the 3 Subsets (Subtest I (101), Subtest II (102), and Subtest III (103)) are required before admission to the MSTEP program.
*Note: Due to the passing of Senate Bill 820, the requirement to complete CBEST and Subject Matter Competency prior to enrollment in a preparation program is suspended and both are now requirements for Preliminary Credential recommendation. Fall 2021 students are eligible for this waiver.
When to take these exams?
Applicants should plan to take their exam(s) at least 4 weeks before the scores are to be reported as part of the MSTEP Program application and be passed by the MSTEP Program deadlines. Otherwise, it is unlikely that scores will be reported in time to meet the MSTEP Program deadlines.
Assessments required for credential recommendation**:
1. Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA)
The purpose of the RICA is to ensure that California-trained candidates for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. RICA must be attempted before the fifth week of the Clinical Practice II assignment. RICA must be passed prior to being eligible for a recommendation.
2. edTPA
edTPA is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment to emphasize, measure, and support the skills and knowledge that all teachers need. The assessment features a common architecture focused on three tasks: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment. Candidates will prepare a portfolio of materials during their Clinical Practice and EDUC 450 coursework.
**Note: Due to the passing of Senate Bill 820, the requirement to complete edTPA and RICA prior to Preliminary Credential recommendation is suspended and both are now requirements for Clear Credential passage. This waiver applies to the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years.
If you have questions please contact the Credential Office at soe@calpoly.edu