Competency Requirements & Prep Resources
Verification of the Basic Skills Requirement*
Individuals may satisfy the basic skills requirement by mixing and matching the following methods ensuring they meet the proficiency requirement in all three areas: reading, writing, and math. Candidates should submit a "Verification of Basic Skills Requirement" form for review to soe@calpoly.edu.
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP - Mathematics and English)
- Pass the CSU Placement Examinations (ELM and EPT),
- ACT Scores
- SAT Scores
- AP Scores
- California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
- Coursework: Courses must have been taken at a regionally accredited college or university for credit, passed with a grade of B- or better, be degree applicable, and be at least 3-semester units (or equivalent quarter units).
- For reading proficiency: a course in critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
- For writing proficiency: a course in composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
- For mathematics proficiency: a course in algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.
| Examination | English Score Requirement |
Math Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) | "College Ready" or "Exempt" | "College Ready" or "Exempt" |
| CSU Placement Exams (EPT and ELM) | A score of 151 or above |
A score of 50 or above |
| College Board SAT (taken after March 2016) | A score of EBRW 560 or above | A score of Math 570 or above |
| College Board SAT (taken before March 2016) | A score of Reading 500 or above | A score of Math 550 or above |
| ACT | A score of 22 or above | A score of 23 or above |
| College Board Advanced Placement Examinations (AP) |
A score of 3 or above on one of the following: -AP English Language & Composition -AP English Literature & Composition |
A score of 3 or above on one of the following: -AP Calculus AB -AP Calculus BC -AP Statistics |
If you plan to mix & match exams and coursework, you must complete a "Verification of Basic Skills" form and submit it to the Credential Office at soe@calpoly.edu for evaluation. Once approved a 41-BSR form will be returned to you providing verification of Basic Skills completion.
See, Basic Skills Requirement for an explanation of options to meet BSR, also see AB-130 Coded Correspondence for additional information.
Find additional clarification and answers to commonly asked questions on our Basic Skills Requirement Completion Options FAQ document.
Verification of Subject Matter Competency*
Individuals may satisfy the subject matter competency requirement by completing one of the following methods:
- Commission-Approved Subject Matter Waiver Program
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) - Successful passing of all the CSET subtests specific to your credential objective. See your program "Competency Requirements & Prep Resources" page for more details.
-
Holding a Bachelors or higher in an approved major - AB 130 expands the available options to allow candidates to meet the Subject Matter Requirement through successful completion of an academic major in the subject they will teach. Utilize the table below to determine eligibility.
- Coursework - This option is not yet available per the CTC. Our site will be updated with processes as soon as we are able to process coursework evaluations.
- (See, AB-130 Coded Correspondence for additional information)
| Multiple Subject Approved subject matter degrees | CSETS (Subtest test code) |
|---|---|
|
- Liberal Studies - Interdisciplinary major that includes coursework in the content areas identified in subdivision (b) of California Education Code section 44282. Interdisciplinary majors will require an evaluation. |
Multiple Subject Subtests I (101), II (214) & III (103) |
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.
* Temporary flexibilities adopted as part of EO N-66-20 and SB 820 dictate that for Winter 2022 candidates, this is not an admission requirement. This requirement must be completed prior to credential recommendation.
- Pearson Exam Preparation Materials
- Study.com - Prepare for your CSET/CBEST Exams - all in one place! The STEM Teach Scholarship will reimburse you up to two months of use on Study.com. Click here to learn more about the STEM Teach Scholarship.
Check out what a student has to say about their experience using Study.com to prep for the CSET by clicking here!
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Test Prep Review - Test Prep Review contains prep material for many different CSET/CBEST tests and information on each of those tests. Below are links to practice tests.
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Teachers Test Prep - Create an online account through Teachers Test Prep to take the online practice tests and get a complete diagnostic in the areas that you need to work on.
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Union Test Prep - Union Test Prep contains practice tests, study guides, and flashcards for each section of the CBEST test
- YouTube.com
- Amazon.com
- Quizlet.com
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.
Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
The 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.
