Examinations for the MSTEP Program
Basic Skill Requirement
Multiple Subject Candidates can satisfy the basic skills requirement in one of four ways:
- 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 qualifying score on the SAT or ACT
- College Board Advanced Placement Examinations
(See, Basic Skills Requirement for explanation of options to meet BSR)
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. Passing scores on the 3 subsets (subtest I (101), subtest II (102), and subtest III (103)) are required before admission to MSTEP I and should be reported no later than the Monday of the fourth week of the quarter in which you submit MSTEP I application.
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.In the end, RICA must be passed prior to being eligible for recommendation.
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.
If you have questions please contact the Credential Office at (805) 756-2126 or soe@calpoly.edu