Program Overview

Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential

The Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential is valid for five years from the date of issuance. To obtain this credential, individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements:

Requirements

• Obtain a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
• Satisfy the basic skills requirement
• Provide verification of subject-matter competence by:
  • Passing the appropriate subject matter examination(s) as specified in Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination (Multiple Subject) or Verifying Subject-Matter Competence by Examination (Single Subject)
  • Completing a Commission-approved subject-matter program of course work or its equivalent and obtaining certification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved subject-matter program
  • Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation
  • Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission
• Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), unless exempt
• Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution
• Complete a Commission-approved Education Specialist Credential program in an education specialist specialty area resulting in formal recommendation by the Commission-approved program sponsor

Exemptions and Special Considerations

• Verification of subject-matter competence is not required for the area of Early Childhood Special Education, nor is it required of individuals who hold a valid California clear or life general education teaching credential based upon possession of a bachelor's degree and completion of a professional teacher preparation program, including student teaching
• The last administration of the examination in the Specialized Sciences was July 11, 2015, and applicants will have five years during which to use passing examination scores toward obtaining California certification
• The last date to verify subject-matter equivalency by coursework for any of the Specialized Sciences was July 11, 2015