Subject-Matter Competency
California Education Code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential must demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter area of their intended credential prior to clinical practice. There are five paths to achieving subject-matter competency in the state of California.
If you have questions about whether your coursework or examinations fulfill subject-matter competency for your program, please contact the Credentials Office at credinfo@CalLutheran.edu.
Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Degree
Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:
- For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
- For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
- For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Exam
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) are administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. Test schedules, sites, registration, and other important information is available online at the CSET website.
Students must pass all subtests for the subject matter area they wish to teach. For more information about which exams you should take, speak with your advisor, the Credential Analyst, or consult the following CCTC leaflets:
- Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials
- Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials
- Special Education Subject-Matter Competence
Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Coursework
Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. CLU offers the service ofcourse evaluations to current CLU undergraduates and CLU Credential candidates in the subject areas of Multiple Subjects, English and Social Science.
Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Program
The requirements for meeting subject-matter competency via program are complex, so you should consult with the Credential Analyst at your earliest convenience to verify that you have met or will meet the requirements. The following CCTC resource should also be of assistance:
Meeting Subject-Matter Competency via Coursework and Exam Combination
Through a combination of the methods described above in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.