Earning your Master of Arts in Teaching online from USC Rossier will prepare you to obtain your preliminary teaching credential in California, the first part of a two-tiered system. It is valid for five years and cannot be renewed.
After five years, you can upgrade to a clear level certification, which must be renewed every five years thereafter.
If you want to become a K–12 teacher in California, you are required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to meet the basic skills requirement. You must also pass subject-specific exams, which vary depending on your career goals.
The first step toward earning your teacher credential in California is passing the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). This three-part exam assesses your proficiency in mathematics, reading and writing. You must receive a score of at least 41 on each of those three sections to pass. Once you pass the CBEST, you do not have to take it again.
To become a primary school teacher in California, you also must obtain a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential by taking the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
To teach a specialized subject in middle or high school, you must also obtain a single-subject teaching credential in that subject area by taking the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
The USC Rossier MAT online program prepares you to earn your teaching credential in California; however, you may also be eligible to obtain your teaching credentials in other states. Credential requirements differ from state to state. We recommend researching the requirements in the state in which you reside or intend to practice.
Earn your MAT online from USC Rossier in as few as 11-15 months.
To be recognized as a credentialed teacher in the state of California, you must complete the following credential requirements in addition to your teacher certification exams and program coursework.
View our complete guide to teacher certification exams.
General
Basic Skills Requirement
Satisfy the requirement in one of the following ways:
Subject Matter Requirement
Pass all subtests of the CSET exam in your chosen subject area.
Tuberculosis Screening
Certificate of Clearance (CoC)
The CoC consists of a background check and professional fitness clearance, including getting fingerprinted at a Live Scan facility and completing a physical fitness questionnaire online.
United States Constitution Exam
Satisfy the requirement in one of the following ways:
CPR Certification
Note regarding felonies and misdemeanors: In order to obtain a teaching credential, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requires credential applicants to disclose convictions of a felony or misdemeanor. While a felony or misdemeanor will not necessarily prevent you from being admitted to the program, you may not be eligible to participate in student teaching which is a requirement of the program.
Renewal requirements depend on your specific pathway and professional development. You can view your renewal requirements in your CTC Educator Account.
In most cases, you can renew your teaching credential online using a debit or credit card. The CTC does not print, distribute or mail paper documents, but you can view and print on the CTC website within 10 business days.
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