MSTEP Required Exams & Prep Resources

On July 9th, 2021, Governor Newsom signed the TK-12 Education Trailer Bill (AB 130), which creates additional pathways for teacher candidates to satisfy the basic skills requirement (BSR) and subject matter competence (SMC). The School of Education has been receiving many email inquiries about AB 130 and we want to assure you that we will be accepting the additional options to meet BSR and SMC. Our office has limited guidance from CTC at this time, so we may not be able to answer all your questions just yet. We are working on developing an evaluation process for the new pathways and will continue to post updates as we have additional information. If you are currently studying for the CSET and want to verify if your undergraduate degree fulfills the subject matter requirement, email soe@calpoly.edu.

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.

 

Suggested CSET/CBEST Preparation Materials & Supports:

• Pearson Exam Preparation Materials
  • CSET Multiple Subjects 
  • CBEST 
• 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! 

  • Teacher Certification
  • CSET & CBEST 

• 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.

  • CSET Multiple Subjects

  • CBEST Math

  • CBEST Writing

  • CBEST Reading

• 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.

  • CSET Multiple Subjects

• Union Test Prep - Union Test Prep contains practice tests, study guides, and flashcards for each section of the CBEST test

  • Practice Tests

  • Flashcards

  • Study Guide

• YouTube.com
  • CBEST Test Prep Videos
  • CSET Test Prep Videos
• Amazon.com
  • CBEST Test Prep 
  • CSET Test Prep
• Quizlet.com

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