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Credential Courses for Educators

Methods Courses

high school classroom chemistry experiment

For adding a Teaching or Content Area to an existing Multiple or Single Subject Credential

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing allows teachers who hold a valid California clear credential to obtain an additional credential, either multiple subject or single subject, without completing the full professional preparation program for that credential.

Candidates must complete a three-semester unit or four-quarter-unit course in methodology directly related to teaching in a departmentalized setting in the specific content area sought and the content area subject-matter competence (CSET).

For example:

An elementary teacher with a Multiple Subject credential may want to add a Single Subject Math authorization in order to teach math in middle school or high school grades
A high school history teacher with a Single Subject Social Science credential may want to add a Single Subject Physical Education authorization in order to teach high school physical education
A middle school English teacher with a Single Subject English credential may also want to be authorized to teach in self-contained elementary grade classrooms by adding a Multiple Subject authorization.

For additional information, please review the CTC leaflet (cl621a).

Where to get a complete list of requirements

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing provides a complete list of requirements for adding a teaching or content area to a credential in leaflet CL-621A (pdf). Consult this leaflet before enrolling.

All candidates are required to demonstrate subject matter competency in the target subject area, which is often done by passing the appropriate California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET).

Candidates adding multiple subjects must also pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).