Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

Degree Major Verification

A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education aligned to the credential being sought.

• For Multiple Subject: A major in Liberal Studies, Liberal Arts, or Elementary Education (PSA 23-04).

• For Single Subject Credential: a degree major in one of the subject named in Education Code section 44257(a); Agriculture, Art, Business, Dance, English, World Language, Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial and Technology Education, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science - Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience or Earth and Space Science, Social Science, or Theater.  (PSA 23-04).
  Please note Dance and Theater are not currently available for single subject credential seekers.

• For Education Specialist (Special Ed): Either a multiple subject or Single Subject degree major.

Please refer to the list of aligned degree majors to verify your major prior to submitting for degree verification.

List of Aligned Degree Majors

Multiple Subject Degree Content Verification (Coursework Lite)

A candidate who is seeking a multiple subject credential or education specialist credential but does not have the exact title of the approved majors may submit for a degree major content verification if their major includes all of the subject areas identified in Education Code §44282(b): language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, arts, physical education, and human development (PSA 23-04).

For a list of approved courses please refer to the approved course list for multiple subject degree content.

Approved Course List for Multiple Subject Degree Content 

Subject Matter Program

To meet subject matter competency via a subject matter program you must obtain a subject matter waiver letter from a CTC approved subject matter program. These program are generally completed at the undergraduate level through a bachelor's degree program.

If you completed a subject matter approved program, please contact the institution you attended for a letter. See Approved Institutions and Programs.

The degree major chair or credential department is normally able to provide the Subject Matter Waiver Letter. The institution's Credential Analyst's signature must be on the Subject Matter Waiver letter if the waiver letter is granted from an institution other than CSUB.

A Subject Matter Waiver of at least 80% may be used to be considered for program admission; however, 100% Subject Matter Waiver must be obtained to complete a credential program if admitted to or to qualify to be intern ready if admitted.

CSUB Subject Matter Waiver Programs:

• Art
• English
• Liberal Studies
• Math
• Social Science
• Spanish

CSUB Undergraduates: please contact your degree program’s chair to obtain a Subject Matter Waiver Letter.

• Art Department
• English Department
• Liberal Studies Program
• Math Department
• History Department (Social Science)
• Modern Languages and Literature Department (Spanish)

Exams

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers® (CSET) have been developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for prospective teachers to meet subject matter competency requirements for certification by taking examinations.

Each examination consists of subtests. The number of subtests varies by subject matter. You may register to take one or all the subtests together. Depending on the subject matter exams may have limited testing windows. In addition, some exams are available for in-person testing only, others may be available via online proctoring.

The CSET website has lists of preparation materials that may aid you in preparing for your exams. There is also a guide to free or low-cost preparation resources.

For registration, fees, and testing information, visit CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers.

Combination of Coursework/Exam

Through a combination of the methods described in subject matter program, subject matter exams, and  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. See Subject Matter Domains and CSET Examination by Subtest.

Coursework/Exam Options:
Art
English
Mathematics
Multiple Subject
Physical Education
Science
Social Science
Spanish

Please email Dr. Stacy Schmidt, sschmidt3@csub.edu, to request a coursework verification form if you do not see the content area you are seeking listed. In your email please make sure to include the subject matter you are requesting a coursework verification for.