Frequently Asked Questions

🔎 General & Program Overview

What is a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential? 

• In California, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes you to teach in a self-contained classroom, most commonly found in TK-12, and classes organized primarily for adults. This is the standard credential for elementary school teachers.

Does this program prepare me for credentials in other states? 

• Our program is specifically designed to meet the requirements for the California Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential. While many states have reciprocity agreements with California, we recommend checking with that state’s department of education if you plan to teach outside of CA.

🎟️ Admissions & Requirements

What are the basic requirements to enter the credential program? 

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, you must meet the Basic Skills Requirement (typically satisfied by your degree or qualifying coursework) and the Subject Matter Competency requirement.

How do I prove "Subject Matter Competency"? 

• There are now several ways to meet this requirement in California:

  • • Degree Major: Holding a degree in Liberal Studies, Liberal Arts, or Elementary.

    • Coursework: Completing specific college-level courses that cover the subject matter domains or an interdisciplinary major that aligns with the Multiple Subject domains may be a pathway for subject matter competence.

    • CSET Exams: Passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET: Multiple Subjects Subtests I, II, and III).

    • A Combination: Mixing approved coursework and CSET subtests.

Do I need to take the CBEST? 

• As of recent California legislation (AB 130), most candidates meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) simply by having earned their bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. If your degree does not meet the criteria, you may still need to take the CBEST, meet the requirement with approved coursework, or use qualifying SAT/ACT/AP scores.

📚Clinical Practice (Student Teaching)

Since this is an online program, where do I do my student teaching? 

• While your coursework is online, Clinical Practice (student teaching) must be completed in person at a California TK-12 public school. Our team will work with you to secure a placement in a school district near your place of residence within California.

How long does student teaching last?

• Your Clinical Practice will last the length of your host school's semester. This usually means August to December for Fall placements and January to June for Spring placements.

Can I get paid while doing my student teaching? 

• Generally, traditional student teaching is unpaid. However, if you are currently employed as a teacher on an Intern Credential you can be paid for the Clinical Practice semester.

🧑‍🏫 Intern Teaching

General Information

What is the Intern Pathway? The Intern Pathway is an alternative route to earning your California Preliminary Teaching Credential. It allows you to serve as the "Teacher of Record" (a paid, full-time teacher) in a California public school or charter school while you simultaneously complete your teacher preparation coursework online.

How does this differ from "Student Teaching"?

• Student Teaching: You are placed in a classroom with a master teacher. You typically do not receive a salary and do not have full legal responsibility for the classroom.

• Intern Teaching: You are the primary teacher. You receive a full salary and benefits from your school district, but you are also responsible for all lesson planning, grading, and classroom management from day one.

Eligibility & Requirements

What are the requirements to become "Intern Eligible"? To be recommended for a University Intern Credential, you must meet the following CTC-mandated criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree from a regionally accredited institution.

• Basic Skills Requirement: Typically met via your degree, CBEST, coursework, or qualifying SAT/ACT scores.

• Subject Matter Competence: A bachelors degree from a regionally accredited university in Liberal Studies, Liberal Arts, or Elementary Education; verification of passing all required CSET subtests; or a combination of coursework and CSET exams.

• U.S. History and Constitution: Completion of a qualifying course (i.e. APU Global HIS 420) or approved exam.

• Pre-Service Hours: Successful completion of 120 clock hours of foundational pedagogy (usually satisfied by specific introductory courses in your program).

• Certificate of Clearance: A valid fingerprint/background check on file with the CTC.

Private Schools

• Per California Education Code, Intern Credentials are only valid for service in California public school districts, county offices of education, or state-authorized charter schools.

Employment & The MOU

• The university cannot secure an internship for you. You are responsible for securing your own employment. Once you receive an Offer of Employment for a position that matches your credential area, you must notify the Credentialing Office immediately.

• An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is a legal agreement between our University and your employing School District. The university will secure this for you. 

• We cannot recommend you for an Intern Credential until a valid MOU is signed by both parties.

• The MOU ensures that both the University and the District will provide the mandated support and supervision required by the CTC.

Support & Supervision

California law requires that all interns receive intensive support. This includes:

• University Supervisor: A university representative will conduct regular "site visits" (often via video for our asynchronous program) to observe your teaching and provide feedback.

• District Mentor: Your school must assign an on-site mentor teacher to provide a minimum of 2 hours of support per week.

• Total Support: You must receive a total of 144 hours of support and supervision per school year.

Program Completion

How long is the Intern Credential valid? The University Intern Credential is valid for two years. You are expected to complete all coursework and the CalTPA (Teaching Performance Assessment) within this timeframe to transition to your Preliminary Credential.

What is the "Early Completion Option" (ECO)? If you have significant prior teaching experience, you may be eligible for the ECO. This allows you to "test out" of some requirements by passing the National Evaluation Series (NES) assessment and the CalTPA early. Please contact your advisor to see if you qualify.

✅ Testing & Certification

What is a "Preliminary" vs. "Clear" Credential? 

• Your first credential is the Preliminary Credential, which is valid for five years. To "Clear" your credential (making it permanent), you must complete a Teacher Induction Program through your employer (school district) during your first two years of full-time teaching.

👍🏻 Compliance & Background

What is a Certificate of Clearance (COC)? 

• A COC is a background check conducted by the CTC. All students must obtain this via Live Scan (fingerprinting) before they can begin any field experience or student teaching in a classroom.

Is your program CTC-approved? 

• Yes. To grant credentials in California, a program must be accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Our program meets all state-mandated standards for educator preparation.