Subject Matter Competency
Supplemental Program Materials, Bilingual Credential
There are 3 ways to meet the Subject Matter Competency requirement:
1. Earn a Degree That Matches the Credential Subject Area
Some undergraduate degrees automatically fulfill the subject matter requirement, meaning you may not need to take the CSET exams.
- Multiple Subject applicants (e.g., elementary school): A degree in Liberal Studies, Liberal Arts, or Elementary Education qualifies.
- Single Subject applicants (e.g., middle/high school subjects): Your degree must match the subject you plan to teach.
- Example: To teach English, you must have a degree in English.
- To teach Math, you must have a degree in Math.
More details can be found on the CCTC's summary of options by credential area:
CCTC Subject Matter Chart of Options
2. Pass the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
If your degree does not match the subject area, you can meet the requirement by passing the appropriate CSET exams.
- Visit the CSET website for test dates, registration, and study guides.
- Exams may be in progress at the time of application; however, official passing scores must be submitted no later than February 15, 2026, in order to be eligible for admission. An offer of admission cannot be made until all required exam scores have been received and verified.
- You must pass all required subtests in your subject area to be admitted
Learn which subtest you are required to pass by teaching area.
Test Name/
Art: Responding & Connecting (230)
Test Name/Test Code
Literature & Textual Analysis;
Composition & Rhetoric (105)
Language, Linguistics & Literacy (106)
Composition & Rhetoric;
Literature & Textual Analysis (107)
Communications: Speech, Media,
& Creative Performance (108)
Test Name/Test Code
Algebra; Number Theory (211)
Geometry; Probability & Statistics (212)
Calculus; History of Mathematics (213)
Test Name/Test Code
Algebra; Number Theory (211)
Geometry; Probability & Statistics (212)
Test Name/Test Code
Reading, Language & Literature, History,
Social Science (101)
Science, Mathematics (214)
Physical Education, Human Development,
Visual & Performing Arts (225)
Test Name/Test Code
Artistic Perception, Historical and Cultural
Foundations, Aesthetic Valuing (136)
Creative Expression, Connections and
Relationships-video required (137)
Music Methodology and Repertoire (138)
Test Name/Test Code
Growth, Motor Development and Motor Learning;
Science of Human Movement (129)
Sociology and Psychology of Human Movement;
Movement Concepts and Form (130)
Professional Foundations; Integration of
Concepts (131)
Test Name/Test Code
General Science (215)
Life Science (217)
Test Name/Test Code
General Science (215)
Chemistry (218)
Test Name/Test Code
General Science (215)
Test Name/Test Code
General Science (215)
Earth & Space Science (219)
Test Name/Test Code
General Science (215)
Physics (220)
Test Name/Test Code
World History; World Geography (114)
U.S. History; U.S. Geography (115)
Civics; Economics; California History (116)
Test Name/Test Code
General Linguistics, Linguistics of Spanish (145)
Literary & Cultural Texts & Traditions Cultural Analysis and Comparison (146)
Language and Communication: Oral Expression, Listening, Reading, and Written Expression (147)
- If you have not yet passed all subtests, you may still be eligible for the 3-semester program. However, all subtests must be passed before student teaching begins.
- CSET scores are valid for 10 years. If you do not earn your credential recommendation within that time, the exams must be retaken.
3. Request a Coursework Review
If you are considering meeting subject matter competency through completed coursework, it is your responsibility to evaluate whether your academic background aligns with the state requirements. To do so:
- Review the Subject Matter Domains for your subject area.
- Carefully compare your completed coursework to the domain expectations listed.
- Once you believe your coursework meets all the domain requirements, you may email [email protected] to request a Subject Matter Course Review Request Form.
Please note: Our admissions team does not provide preliminary transcript advising or course-matching guidance. If you are unsure whether your courses fulfill the subject matter requirements, they likely do not. It is essential that you review the domains carefully and only request a review if you are confident that your coursework meets all listed competencies. You must request an evaluation no later than January 1st for a Fall start or August 1st for a Spring start.