State of CA Requirements
TB Test
Proof of negative TB test results (photocopy is acceptable) within 60 days of fieldwork start date must be on file in the UTEC office before any student is able to visit a classroom for observation or any other purpose. Failure to submit negative TB results on time will result in placement of a registration hold.
Clearance Process
UTEC students are required to be cleared to visit classrooms and for service in field placements. All students must obtain the state-mandated background check (referred to as Certificate of Clearance). LiveScan fingerprinting is specific to the organization requiring the clearance; therefore, LiveScans previously done for other positions (e.g., volunteer work) are not valid for fieldwork. Students who have not completed this requirement when it is due will have a hold placed on registration until clearance is accomplished. In the fall, UTEC usually hosts a mobile Live Scan to assist students in securing their Certificate of Clearance. For those students who have to use an outside operator for their Live Scan, they can follow the detailed instructions provided here.
Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency
In the state of California, as well as in most states, proficiency in basic skills (reading, writing, and math) and in a subject area is proven through receiving a BA or BS, the passage of specific examinations or via approved coursework. The Subject Matter Requirement (SMR) can be fulfilled by taking California’s examinations, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, commonly referred to as CSET exams, or via coursework. All students must fulfill their SMR in the desired subject content area to demonstrate subject matter competence (i.e., you must prove to the state that you thoroughly know your subject). UTEC participants are expected to have their SMR fulfilled by the time they apply to the SOE. Failure to do so will result in PARC placement, which could interfere with the SOE application/acceptance process. In some cases, this can result in dismissal from the UTEC. Below is a list and description of the tests.
Fulfilling the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
In Summer 2024, California Governor Newsom signed into law a new trailer bill that allows the possession of a bachelor’s (or higher) degree earned at a regionally accredited college or university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The bill also removes the BSR as a requirement for earning any credential where the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, most UTEC students automatically fulfill the BSR once their Bachelor’s degree is awarded.
Fulfilling the Subject Matter Requirement (SMR)
Fulfilling the SMR via Coursework
Students may be able to fulfill their SMR through coursework. For MS candidates, taking certain courses will help fulfill the SMR, such as Math for Educators, Arts for Educators and European/U.S. History. MS candidates who are Education: Liberal Studies majors are exempt from the CSETs. Depending on the coursework taken, students may be able to fulfill the SMR entirely through coursework or through a combination of coursework and CSETs. SS students majoring in the subject for which they will earn a credential—English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics—will automatically fulfill their SMR through coursework. Other SS students, such as History (Social Science credential) may be able to fulfill some or all of their SMR through coursework on a case-by-case basis. Students should consult with their advisor.
The Program Manager will provide students a memo showing they fulfilled their SMR via coursework or a combination of coursework and testing at the time they apply to the SOE. This memo will also be sent to the SOE Credential Manager, who verifies all BSR/SMR requirements.
Fulfilling the SMR via the CSETs
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) may be taken as early as sophomore year. It is important to note that all CSET exams must be passed by the time of formal application to the SOE.
Each CSET consists of several subtests. The UTEC staff recommends that you take one subtest at a time, typically one per semester. Students should check with their advisors regarding which subtest to take in a given semester. Fortunately, students may retake a subtest until it is passed.
CSET for Multiple Subjects
MS students who cannot fulfill their SMR through coursework or the Education: Liberal Studies major must pass the Multiple Subjects CSET exams to demonstrate subject matter competence. The three subtests of the MS CSET are typically taken during different undergraduate semesters based on when particular support classes are taken. CSET I covers Language Arts and History; CSET II covers Math and Science; and CSET III covers Human Development, Physical Education and Visual & Performing Arts. Specifics and strategies regarding these exams will be discussed during UTEC advising. Students cannot be admitted into the SOE until their SMR is fulfilled.
For MS candidates there are courses that support passage of the CSET exams. The following coursework is specifically designed for CSET prep:
| Course | Units | Core |
|---|---|---|
| Math for Educators | 4 | Core B1 |
| Lifetime Fitness and Wellness | 4 | Core B2 |
| Understanding Our Environment | 4 | Core B2 |
| Exploring the Life Sciences | 2 | |
| Exploring the Physical Sciences | 2 | |
| Europe/United States History | 4 | Core C2 |
| Arts for Educators | 4 | Core F |
| UTEC Fieldwork I | 1-2 | Core CEL |
| UTEC Fieldwork II | 1-2 | Core CEL |
| UTEC Fieldwork III | 1-2 | Core CEL |
| History and Geography of California | 2-4 | |
| How Language Works | 4 | Core A2 |
| Child Development | 4 |
CSET for Single Subjects
CSET for Single Subject English
If not an English major, Single Subject English students must take and pass four CSET subtests in English. Note: Students cannot be admitted into the SOE until all required subtests of the CSET are passed. Courses should be chosen in conjunction with advisors to properly prepare for taking the CSET exams in English.
CSET for Single Subject Mathematics
If not a Math major, Single Subject Mathematics students must take and pass the two CSET subtests in Mathematics. Admittance into the School of Education is granted after passage of CSET I and II. Passage of the CSET III may be accomplished during the 5th year, or if teaching Calculus is not desired, this test does not need to be taken. Courses should be chosen in conjunction with advisors to properly prepare for taking the CSET in Math.
CSET for Single Subject Science
If not a Biology, Chemistry, or Physics major, Single Subject Science students must take and pass the two CSET subtests in Science. Unlike other CSET exams, one of four concentrations in Biology/Life Science, Chemistry, Earth & Planetary Science, or Physics must be chosen for the second test. Courses should be chosen in conjunction with advisors to properly prepare for taking the CSET exams in any particular science discipline.
CSET for Single Subject Social Science (History)
Most Single Subject Social Science students must take and pass the three CSET subtests in Social Science. Courses should be chosen in conjunction with advisors to properly prepare for taking the CSET in Social Science.
CSET Score Reporting
Copies of passing scores for the CSET exams must be submitted with the SOE application. Students need to request that the reports be sent directly to USF. Additionally, individual score reports must also be provided as part of the SOE application for each student, as institutional reports are not complete listings and are not individualized.
Literacy Performance Assessment (taken during final year)
The purpose of the Literacy Performance Assessment is to ensure that candidates for MS Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Instruction Credentials (special education) possess the knowledge and skills essential to the provision of effective reading instruction. Beginning teachers need to be able to deliver effective reading instruction that: is based on the results of ongoing assessment; reflects knowledge of state and local reading standards for different grade levels; represents a balanced, comprehensive reading curriculum; and is sensitive to the needs of all students.
New Literacy Performance Assessments will be operational in July 2025. Please visit this CTC webpage for more information.
Note: The current assessment, known as the RICA, will be retired in June 2025.
U.S. Constitution (taken during final year)
All students must verify satisfactory completion of the U.S. Constitution requirement by submitting either:
- Transcripts showing successful completion of a CCTC-approved course in the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution (minimum of two semester units, grade C or better)
OR
- Passage of an examination on the Constitution offered by a regionally accredited university. An online exam is offered through USF. Contact the Credential Manager for the School of Education at (415) 422-2114, Education Building, room 107.
Students who have passed one of the following are exempt from taking the U.S. Constitution test offered by the SOE: AP US Government and Politics test, HIST 115 Euro/U.S. History, HIST 120 U.S. History, or POLS 100 Ideas and Institutions