Subject Matter Competency (SMC)
California Education code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential, including special education, demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter of their intended credential. There are different options on how a candidate might meet subject matter depending on the the teaching credential they are seeking.
A candidate may need to submit for verification/evaluation with 糖心Vlog视频 depending on the option in which subject matter is being demonstrated. Candidates are not deemed subject matter competent unless 100% of the subject matter option being utilized is met.
Subject matter competency is subject to review and approval by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).
Individuals who require subject matter evaluation but are not planning on attending
CSU Bakersfield should inquire with their institution of choice on subject matter
evaluations. CSU Long Beach offers subject matter evaluations to Non-CSULB members
for a fee: or
At 糖心Vlog视频 a member must have an active status as either a current student or as an applicant
to the university to submit a verification request. Instructions for requesting a
subject matter evaluation is contained within each subject matter verification option.The
processing times are based on receiving a complete verification submittal (i.e. all
transcripts and course descriptions that may be needed). After an evaluation is complete,
the member will notified of their evaluation results via email. While further documentation may be provided for re-evaluation purposes, the decision
of the evaluator will be final after all documentation is submitted.
Subject Matter Options
The Subject Matter Overview video explains the different options for meeting subject matter. The video is available with closed captions and a transcript.
Worksheets are available to assist you in deciding what your best option for meeting subject matter for your desired credential program may be:
Degree Major Verification
A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education aligned to the credential being sought ().- Please note: Dance and Theater are not currently available for single subject credential seekers.
- For Education Specialist seekers (Special Ed): Either a multiple subject or single subject degree major is acceptable.
1. Watch the video for directions on submitting your form. Closed captioning and a transcript are available.
Video transcript
2. Refer to the list of aligned degree majors to verify your major is aligned to the credential being sought.
3. Click the yellow button Degree Verification Form to complete your form and submit for verification.
The processing time is 2-3 weeks.
Degree Content Verification (Coursework Lite)
A candidate who is seeking a Multiple Subject Credential or Education Specialist Credential (Special Ed) but does not have the exact title of the approved majors may submit for a degree major content verification if their major includes all of the subject areas identified in Education Code 搂44282(产): language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, arts, physical education, and human development ().Directions for submitting for verification:
Step 1. Please watch the video for directions on submitting your form. Closed captioning and a transcript are available.
Video Transcript
Step 2. Review the list of pre-approved courses to see what content areas you may have met from your previously completed coursework.
You may find the multiple subject or special education subject matter worksheet to be of assistance in determining what content areas may have been met by previous coursework.
Step 3. Click the button Degree Content Verification to submit your form.
The processing time is 3-4 weeks.
Coursework Verification & Exam/Coursework Verification
Coursework Verification
Coursework must be completed from a a regionally accredited institution that addresses
all domains of subject matter requirements in the content area of the credential sought
as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. For a list of subject matter domains: .
Coursework/Exam Combination Verification
Through a combination of the methods described in subject matter program, subject
matter exams, and in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of
the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the
credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials,
or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials. For a list of subject
matter domains and CSET exams: .
Directions for submitting for verification:
Step 1. Please watch the video for directions on submitting your form. Closed captioning
and a transcript are available.
Video Transcript
Step 2.
Click the link for the Coursework & Coursework/Exam verification form needed to submit
your form.
Coursework & Coursework/Exam Verification Forms
The processing time is 4-6 weeks.
Please email Dr. Stacy Schmidt, sschmidt3@csub.edu, to request a coursework verification form if you do not see the content area you
are seeking listed. In your email please make sure to include the subject matter you
are requesting a coursework verification for.
Subject Matter Program
To meet subject matter competency via a subject matter program you must obtain a subject matter waiver letter from a CTC approved subject matter program. These programs are generally completed at the undergraduate level through a bachelor's degree program.
If you completed a subject matter approved program, please contact the institution you attended for a letter. For a list of CTC approved programs: .
The degree major chair or credential department is normally able to provide the Subject Matter Waiver Letter. The institution's Credential Analyst's signature must be on the Subject Matter Waiver letter if the waiver letter is granted from an institution other than 糖心Vlog视频.
A Subject Matter Waiver of at least 80% may be used to be considered for program admission; however, 100% Subject Matter must be obtained to complete a credential program.
糖心Vlog视频 Subject Matter Waiver Programs:
- Art
- English
- Liberal Studies
- Math
- Social Science
- Spanish
糖心Vlog视频 Undergraduates: please contact your degree program鈥檚 chair to obtain a Subject Matter Waiver Letter.
- English Department
- Liberal Studies Program
- (Social Science)
- Modern Languages and Literature Department (Spanish)
Exams - CSETs
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers庐 (CSET) have been developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for prospective teachers to meet subject matter competency requirements for certification by taking examinations.
Each examination consists of subtests. The number of subtests varies by subject matter. You may register to take one or all the subtests together. Depending on the subject matter exams may have limited testing windows. In addition, some exams are available for in-person testing only, others may be available via online proctoring.
The CSET website has lists of preparation materials that may aid you in preparing for your exams. There is also a guide to free or low-cost preparation resources.
For registration, fees, and testing information, visit .
Questions?
Antelope Valley Campus
Dr. Stacy Schmidt, sschmidt3@csub.edu
Bakersfield Campus
Ms. Holly Gonzales, hgonzales@csub.edu