Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

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 program 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. See Approved Institutions and 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 CSUB.

A Subject Matter Waiver of at least 80% may be used to be considered for program admission; however, 100% Subject Matter Waiver must be obtained to complete a credential program if admitted to or to qualify to be intern ready if admitted.

CSUB Subject Matter Waiver Programs:

• Art
• English
• Liberal Studies
• Math
• Social Science
• Spanish

CSUB Undergraduates: please contact your degree program’s chair to obtain a Subject Matter Waiver Letter.

• Art Department
• English Department
• Liberal Studies Program
• Math Department
• History Department (Social Science)
• Modern Languages and Literature Department (Spanish)

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers® (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 CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers.

California Assembly Bill 130 allows for completion of an academic major in the subject area of the credential being sought to satisfy Subject Matter Competency (SMC). A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following:

• For Multiple Subject Credential – A liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 4482 (PSA 21-10)
• For Single Subject Credential: a degree major in one of the subject named in Education Code section 44257(a); Agriculture, Art, Business, Dance, English, World Language, Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial and Technology Education, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science - Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience or Earth and Space Science, Social Science, or Theater.
• For Education Specialist Credential: a degree in one of the subject areas listed above for either Multiple Subject or Single Subject credentials

CSUB only provides verification to current CSUB students or applicants who have applied/are applying to one of our credential programs. Please see CSUB Degree Verification Requirements for information on submitting a verification request.

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. See Subject Matter Domains.

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. See Subject Matter Domains and CSET Examination by Subtest.