Preliminary Credential in Mild/Moderate Support Needs Special Education

Preliminary Credentials: In California this is the FIRST credential you can earn. If you want to be a teacher and do not hold a credential, then apply to a preliminary program. The Mild/Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Special Education credential allows you to work with mild/moderate disabled children and adults from age 5 through 22.

Important Dates for Fall 2024

1. Submit Cal State Apply Application

Get help and tips on how to complete the Cal State Apply application.

2. Submit Program Materials through Interfolio

 Program Materials Needed for Interfolio

The credential items below will be asked about by questions and/or uploads in Interfolio.  Please start preparing to apply by getting these materials ready.

START EARLY: Most of our applicants tell us they spend approximately 3 months or more on the following 4 requirements.

• Prerequisite Courses (SPED version)
• Basic Skills Requirement
• Subject Matter Competency
• Certificate of Clearance or Emergency Teaching Permit

• Unofficial transcripts
• Bachelor's Degree
• GPA Requirement
• Personal Narrative
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Credential Application fee (currently $25)
• Negative TB test results

Important Information About Credential Requirements:

• These items need to be completed prior to admission to SDSU's Credential program. Some items can be in progress when you are applying (like pre-reqs and your degree), but all exams and the Clearance must be complete before admission.
• Please maintain all your original documents as you may need to submit these again to districts for student teaching and/or employment.

Go to Program Application

3. Wait to Request Official Transcripts

Please wait to request these official transcripts until after you have submitted the Cal State Apply application, then request that your official transcripts be sent to SDSU, following instructions at Submitting Your Transcripts.  If you send them in before you submit the application, they will take longer to process.

If you attended SDSU for your undergraduate degree, you can skip this step—we have this information already on file.

4. Explore Financial Aid Opportunities

Exit Requirements: Please be aware that there are additional exit requirements which you must fulfill to earn your credential. These must be completed by the time you finish the credential program.

Advising

Visit OSS Advising for information about the credential program or admissions process.

Advising Checklists

Download the SPED Mild/Moderate Support Needs Credential Checklist (PDF). This checklist includes the same basic information that is covered in advising sessions.