SSTEP 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 - Single 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. Subject Matter Competency - In general, there are two options for showing Subject Matter Competency:

• Coursework Option: Applicants may choose to complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program where they received their bachelor's degree from a California university. Cal Poly offers approved subject matter programs in English, Social Science, Mathematics, and Agriculture.
• Examination Option: Subject matter competence may be demonstrated by successfully completing the California Subject Examinations for Teacher (CSET). The CSET Web site is http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com. The exams are computer-based and offered all year long. The exam for Agriculture and World Languages are computer-based, however, there are only certain testing windows. Please view their website for details and test dates. The CSET typically consists of 3-4 subtests depending on the subject area (see details below). All of the subtests should be passed prior to submitting your Cal State Apply application. For exceptions, contact your content advisor. 

NOTE: Temporary flexibilities adopted as part of EO N-66-20 and SB 820 dictate that for Summer 2021 candidates, this is not an admission requirement. This requirement must be completed prior to daily whole-class instruction (March 1, 2022).

Subject

I (118), II (119), III (120) prior to 8/6/17

I (215), II (217) after 8/7/17

I (118), II (119), III (121) prior to 8/6/17

I (215) II (218) after 8/7/17

I (118), II (119), III (122) prior to 8/6/17

I (215) II (219) after 8/7/17

I (118), II (119), III (123) prior to 8/6/17

I (215) II (220) after 8/7/17