Admissions Information

Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)

On July 9, 2021, the Governor signed AB 130 (Chap. 44, Stats. 2021) which established new options for demonstrating the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The options allow the Commission and Commission-approved preparation programs to verify that a candidate or applicant has demonstrated basic skills proficiency by verifying qualifying college-level coursework. Commission-approved preparation programs may also use a combination of coursework and other previously available options to meet the BSR.

Options available prior to AB 130:

• Pass the CBEST
• Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
• Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
• Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
• College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
• Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State

Additional options resulting from AB 130:

• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
• Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam

Meeting the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework Resources

Subject Matter Competency Requirement

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.  Recent action by the Governor and the Legislature on AB 130 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 2021) has expanded the ways in which candidates may demonstrate subject matter competency. Subject matter proficiency may be demonstrated through one of the following options:

1) Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission.

2) Passage of a subject matter examination (the California Subject Examination for Teachers or CSET).

3) 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. See PSA 23-04.

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. 

Listed in the right column are the CSUSB Subject Areas. Candidates will be given a subject matter form and directions of how to complete the form after SMC status during the admission process. Forms are in development with links to the required coursework to meet the subject matter domains as determined by Subject Area Faculty in each content area.

4) Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates. See PSA 23-04. 

5) Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (1), (2), and (3) 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. 

Candidates may have their transcripts evaluated to meet one or more of the CSET subtests if they have sufficient, qualifying coursework in the subject matter domains. CSUSB credential candidates that are using a combination of coursework and CSET exams to satisfy SMC will need to submit proof of coursework evaluation and passing CSET scores for outstanding subtests by the appropriate term deadline. 

Candidates that meet subject matter will receive an official subject matter verification letter via DocuSign that specifies how they met the requirement. Candidates that do not meet the subject matter requirements will receive an email with a list of CSUSB courses needed to meet each domain/subtest or CSET Exams needed for next steps in SMC completion.

Meeting the Subject Matter Competency Requirement

Below are the initial steps to see if you might qualify for Subject Matter Competency under AB 130 options.

1. Please read the guidelines to get familiar with the CTC updates.

• PSA-21-10 (9/3/2021)

2. Next, check the list below to see if you have a degree (BA/BS or Masters)

• Art (Art History)
• English
• World Language (in any of the languages for which there is a credential)
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education (Name on degree MUST state Physical Education - (e.g. Physical Education: Kinesiology). 
• Science (including Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience or Earth and Space Science, and Physics)
• Social Science (AB 130 does not include History degrees and thus CTC is seeking an emergency approval on this major results expected in January 2022)

3. If you have a degree that is the EXACT major name of the areas above, or if it includes the name of the area within your degree (e.g., Biology: Environmental Biology; Art: Art History; and Physical Education: Kinesiology), then you would qualify for meeting your Subject Matter Competence Requirement through AB 130.

4. If you qualify for Subject Matter Competency under AB 130, a form is being developed by the credential analyst and will be posted as soon as it is approved.

5. If you don't have a degree that is the EXACT name of the areas above (Step #2), then you will need to take the CSET.  For example, if you have Business degree or a Communication degree, you would need to take the CSET if you want to teach Mathematics or English. Also if you have a History degree it does not count under the AB 130 option. These majors would also need to take the 

Meeting the Internship Requirements

Step #1: Become Intern Eligible (Contact Credential Admissions at credadmissions@csusb.edu

• )To be intern eligible you must:
  • Take and pass with a B- or better ESEC 6001/5001, 6003, and 6004 AND
  • Complete 120 hours of Early Fieldwork observation hours at a school site

  • Passed the US Constitution (or have the related coursework)