Credential Requirements & Testing Information 

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Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)

As of June 2024, Senate Bill (SB) 153 has changed the BSR requirement by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's (CTC) Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). This  will allow applicants for any credential or permit that requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to satisfy the BSR by submitting official transcripts showing conferral of a qualifying degree. Applicants will no longer be required to provide any supporting basic skills materials (such as exam scores, course descriptions or coursework evaluation forms) when the applicant has verified conferral of a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution. As of June 29, 2024, all applicants may use this option to satisfy the BSR even if their application has already been submitted and is currently pending evaluation at the Commission.  

Subject Matter Competency

All California future educators (TK-12) are required to meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing's (CTC) Subject Matter Competency.  Click on the corresponding link to learn more about how the subject matter competency can be fulfilled: Multiple Subject or Single Subject.

Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)*

Senate Bill 488 (Chap. 678, Stats. 2021) required the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Commission) to update its literacy and reading standards for the preparation of teaching candidates and their corresponding Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). Additionally, the bill required the Commission to review teacher preparation programs and certify that they are providing instruction in the updated standards and TPEs, as well as to develop a new literacy performance assessment to replace the current Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). 

U.S. Constitution Course

Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university.

Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) & Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA)

TPEs comprise the body of knowledge, skills, and abilities that beginning general education teachers have the opportunity to learn in approved teacher preparation programs in California. Beginning teachers demonstrate their knowledge of the TPEs by successfully completing course work, engaging in clinical practice, and passing a
Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) based on the TPEs (completed during the credential program). Beginning teachers must meet these requirements prior to being recommended for a preliminary teaching credential in California. 

Clear Preliminary Credential

Complete a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program and submit application for the clear credential through the Induction Program sponsor.  California has a two-tier credential structure. A preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic certification requirements. The preliminary credential is issued for a maximum of five years. A clear credential is issued when all certification requirements have been completed. If requirements for the clear credential are not completed before the expiration of the preliminary credential, the holder will be unable to teach in California's public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the credential is renewed.

California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) & California Subject Matter Examination for Teachers (CSET) Test Dates & Locations: