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Credential Program Requirements


Prior to being recommended for their preliminary credential, all candidates must meet the following California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements.

  • All candidates must have current  fingerprint records and an approved background check on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). All candidates must maintain a a valid Certificate of Clearance or other current credential authorization from the CCTC. Check your current status.
  • All candidates are required to complete a course in Child and Adolescent Development as a prerequisite requirement.
  • All credential candidates must have taken a Basic Skills exam prior to admission to the program.  Options for this requirement are the CBEST exam or the CSET Multiple Subject Exam plus Writing skills, or an approved basic skills exam from another state.
  • All credential candidates must fulfill the Basic Skills Requirement prior to the end of their first semester in the credential program.  This is met by receiving passing scores on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), the CSET Multiple Subject Exam with Writing, or a basic skills exam from another state.
  • All candidates must show Subject Matter Competency prior to the end of their first semester in the credential program.  This is met by receiving passing scores on the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) or through the completion of a Commission-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (secondary only) in the subject area for which they are seeking a credential.
  • All candidates must verify that they have met the U.S. Constitution requirement by receiving passing scores in a course (at least two semester units or three quarter units) or on an examination in the Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution given by a regionally accredited college, or university. Take a U.S. Constitution Exam at Dominican.
  • All candidates must verify that they have received training in CPR for adults, infants and children by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross prior to receiving their credential.
  • Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credential candidates are also required by California Education Code to pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) before they are recommended for a preliminary credential.