Special Education Clear Credential,
How to Apply

On this page: Learn how to apply to the Special Education Clear Credential Program.

Apply to this program if you already hold a preliminary or level 1 Ed Specialist credential and need to clear/renew it.

• Interested in applying for a Master's degree along with the Clear Credential?

Steps to Apply

Follow the steps below to apply to the Special Education Clear Credential Program:

1. Cal State Apply

For assistance, see Tips on Completing the Cal State Apply University Application.

Go to Cal State Apply (CSU application)

2. Request official transcripts

Request that your official transcripts be sent to SDSU, following instructions on our Submit Test Scores and Transcripts page.

*GRE scores are only required if you will be pursuing a Master's degree in addition to the Clear credential.

We do NOT requiring a second Program Application for this credential program. Instead applicants must complete the Cal State Apply application and complete the following steps:

1. Hold a valid California Preliminary or Level 1 Ed Specialist credential: Admissions staff will verify this on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) website.
2. Letter of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are only required if you did not attend SDSU for your preliminary credential. If you earned your preliminary SPED credential at a school other than SDSU, then please contact 2 individuals who you have interacted with professionally and who would be able to write a letter of recommendation for you. Have these letters emailed to the admission staff at [email protected]
3. Starting Fall 2018, employment verification will be required to enroll in the Special Education Clear Credential program. You must be employed as"teacher of record" — substitute teaching and aid positions will not meet this requirement.

Pre-Admission Disclosure Language for Licensure and Credentialing Programs

Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time.

For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check.

Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.

Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Department of Special Education (SDSU, North Education Bldg, Room 70), 619-594-6665.