In July of 2021, the California AB 130 was signed into law, providing prospective California K-12 teachers with additional options for satisfying and demonstrating the Basic Skills Requirement and Subject Matter Competence. To be clear, AB 130 has not eliminated the Subject Matter requirement, but rather, in the interest of becoming less reliant on standardized tests, created other means by which to fulfill the requirement.
Prior to this bill, to earn single or multiple subject credentials, prospective teachers were required to pass applicable CSET examinations, and/or complete a commission-approved subject matter preparation program.
However, with the implementation of AB 130, prospective teaching candidates now have alternative options for obtaining a CSET waiver, both the CSET waiver for multiple subjects and the CSET single subject waiver. And, also satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement and Subject Matter Competence without having to take a CSET test. These options include:
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Create AccountAs discussed above, a CSET subject matter waiver can now be granted to prospective teachers who have earned degrees in the subject area they are seeking a credential (e.g., you are seeking a credential in CSET English, and have a Bachelors or Masters in English). The following credential areas are eligible for a CSET subject matter waiver:
Be advised that within these credential areas, there are specific branches or applied majors, which will be eligible for a CSET subject matter waiver. For example, Biology as well as Environmental Biology, would satisfy the science requirement, and Applied Mathematics would satisfy the math requirement.
For a Multiple Subject waiver, the degree major must be in Liberal Studies, or a major such as "General Studies" or "Professional Studies", that includes coursework in the content areas for a Multiple Subjects credential, such as:
Furthermore, if seeking credentials for Education, any degree that meets the subject matter competence requirement for Single Subject or CSET Multiple Subject will be eligible for a CSET waiver in California.
As also mentioned above, Subject Matter Requirements (SMRs) can further be demonstrated via satisfactory completion of subject related coursework at an accredited college or university. While currently there is no grade or GPA requirement for coursework, it is anticipated that a grade of C- or better will be required in the future. Also be aware that each institution may have their own GPA and grade requirements for class and degree completion.
Subject Matter Requirements are comprised of essential subject domains, and whether or not a course meets subject matter requirements is ultimately determined by the program or education institution. For further information it is advised candidates consult with their school counselors regarding classes that meet SMR eligibility.
Lastly, those who have taken some subject related coursework, as well as a single or multiple subtests within a subject, may be able to combine the aforementioned to be eligible for a CSET subject matter waiver as well.
Be advised that not all subject based classes, courses, certifications, etc., are eligible for Subject Matter Requirements, and therefore are not eligible for CSET waiver applications. For example, the following would not satisfy the CSET Subject Matter Requirements:
Be advised that if coursework is taken at a college or university outside the United States, it must be English based, and moreover judged to be equivalent to coursework taken at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
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Create AccountCSET Subject Matter competence is determined in conjunction with the applicant's college, university or teaching program. As such, each institution has its own GPA/grade requirements, as well as their own application process, for example the university in which you earned your degree/took relevant courses has its own process for confirming CSET Waiver eligibility.
However, most programs; such as that at San Diego State University, and Cal State University, have a process similar to the following:
Be advised that only educational programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing may make the determination if a course or major can be used toward demonstration of subject matter competence.
To further ease the path to becoming an educator in California, the state budget allocated $20 million to provide a credential fee waiver for those entering the PK-12 educator workforce, or for those seeking new credentials.
The fee waiver applies to all first-time credential applicants, including applicants trained outside of California. In other words, teachers looking to renew credentials are not eligible for the fee waiver.
Below is a chart of those first-time credentials and permits which are eligible for a fee waiver, and those credentials which are not eligible for the fee waiver:
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential | Clear Teaching Credential Renewals |
| Preliminary Single Subject Credential | Clear Services Credential Renewals |
| Preliminary Education Specialist Credential | Extensions by Appeal |
| Preliminary Career Technical Education Credential | Designated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credentials |
| All Intern Credentials | Child Development Permit Renewals |
| Preliminary Administrative Services Credential | Provisional Internship Permits |
| Preliminary Speech-Language Pathologist Services Credential | Short-Term Staff Permits |
| Pupil Personnel Services Credential | Variable Term Waivers |
| Preliminary School Nurse Services Credential | Program-Sponsor Variable Term Waivers |
| Preliminary Teacher Librarian Services Credential | Other Emergency and Limited Assignment Permits |
| Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential | |
| Certificate of Clearance | |
| All Child Development Permits | |
| All Substitute Teaching Permits | |
| Teaching Permit for Statutory Leave |
The funds allocated for credential application waivers were available from July 1, 2021, and will continue until June 30, 2022. Fee waivers will be automatically applied to those applications which are eligible. Credential applications may be submitted online or mailed via the paper application (form 41-4).
Form 41-4 must be completed for paper applications. Paper applications submitted via US mail do not require an application fee. Be advised that the following types of applicants/applications should be completed via the paper process:
Be advised that if you are a first-time applicant, you must first create a CTC online account and username. Online applicants who have not logged into the CTC Online system since February 2017, will likely not have access to the platform, and may need to register a new username.
CTC Online applications are appropriate for both first-time credential applicants, as well as the renewal or re-issuance of the following:
CTC Online applications can also be used by educators to submit documentation for certification in these areas:
Be advised that all online transactions are subject to a $2.50 service fee.
A Variable Term Waiver (VTW) allows prospective teachers to work as educators while they complete their credential requirements within their first year of teaching.
California is not eliminating the CSET, but rather has created alternative options, other than the CSET, for prospective teachers to earn credentials.
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, California has temporarily allowed educational programs to determine whether prospective students need student-teaching hours. As such, prospective students may have their student-teaching hours reduced or waived by their respective programs.
The CSET is no longer required per se, so long the prospective candidate satisfy alternative requirements with respect to subject matter competence. However the CSET can still be used to demonstrate subject matter competence and earn credential(s).
