Credential Program Requirements

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 are required to complete a course in child/adolescent development as a prerequisite requirement.  Click here for more information.
• 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.  Click here for more information on Dominican's U.S. Constitution Exam.
• 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.
• All candidates must have current  fingerprint records and an approved background check on file with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). This may include one of the following: Certificate of Clearance, 30 Day Emergency Teaching Permit, Child Development Permit, other current credential authorization from the CCTC. To check your current status click here.