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.

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 - Applicants may choose to complete a subject matter program from a California university. Cal Poly offers approved subject matter programs in English, Social Science, Mathematics, and Agriculture.
• California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) - Successful passing of all the subtests specific to your credential objective. 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. 
• 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.
• 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)