Teaching Credential Preparation - Updated Summer 2010

The State of California provides for a two-step, five year program leading to the Professional Clear Teaching Credential.  A student may complete the requirements for a Preliminary Clear Credential within an approved professional preparation program including student teaching and may be employed at that point, providing all requirements have been met (except the fifth year).  Within five years, the student must complete an additional year of study.  At that point, a Professional Clear Teaching Credential is granted.  The required lower division courses may be completed at Cerritos College.  For more information, log on to the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing website at www.ctc.ca.gov and the TEACH California Website at http://www.teachcalifornia.org. 

Single Subject Instruction Credential: (Primarily for Secondary Teaching)

     For more information on the Single Subject Instructional Credential, Click Here!

Multiple-Subject Instruction Credential: (Liberal Studies / Elementary School Teaching)

     For more information on the Multiple Subject Instructional Credential, Click Here!

Common Lower Division Preparation for the California State University:

     Lower Division Preparation for CSU's, Click Here!

CBEST: (California Basic Educational Skills Test)

It is recommended that students seeking a teaching credential take the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) the
semester before transferring to a university. The CBEST is an entrance requirement for most university credential program.
The CBEST verifies proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing. Passing the CBEST is a requirement for obtaining a teaching credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is required prior to student teaching. For test information, log on to www.cbest.nesinc.com.

CSET: (California Subject Examination for Teachers)

With the enactment of the No Child Left Behind federal regulations, school districts are requiring a passing score on the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for all new teachers. It is recommended that students take the CSET after transfer, per the advice of university department or credential advisors. The CSET is administered by the National Evaluation System, Inc. It is a five-hour test consisting of three separate subtests, each containing both multiple-choice and essay questions. Subtest I measures knowledge in reading, language and literature, history and social science; Subtest II covers science and mathematics; and Subtest III includes physical education, human development, visual and performing arts. Once a subtest has been passed, it does not have to be taken again, as long as the score is used toward certification within five years of the testing date. For further information, visit the CSET Web site at www.cset.nesinc.com.