Instructions and requirements on the application process for the Multiple Subject and Single Subject preparation programs which prepare candidates to obtain a preliminary teaching credential in the State of California through successful completion of required coursework, fieldwork, and performance demonstration of their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
California State University, Bakersfield is committed to equal opportunity for students. Applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender, genetic information, gender identity or expression, nationality, marital status, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.
Applicants seeking admission to the Multiple Subject or Single Subject teacher credentialing programs must meet specific admission requirements as set forth by the university and by the teaching credential programs. The admission process to the Multiple Subject and Single Subject credentialing program is a three-step process; 1. Apply to the university, CSU Bakersfield, 2. Enroll in prerequisite/foundation courses (if applicable), and 3. Apply to the program, Single Subject or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Each of these processes, application to the university, and application to the program have separate requirements that must be met. Each credentialing program establishes its own admission requirements and makes its own admission decisions based on these requirements. Admission decisions of the program are final.
To help applicants understand the application and admission process, applicants are strongly encouraged to read this webpage and attend an information session. Detailed information and directions regarding each step of the application process is provided under the step's subheading on this webpage. Please carefully read the application and admission guidelines as failure to follow the steps may be cause for application rejection or denial.
An application must include all the required documents to be considered for program admission and meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission to a credential program. If admitted to a credential program it does not guarantee a recommendation for a preliminary credential.
Licensure/Credentialing Disclosure:
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or tax payer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from the Credential Analyst at credentialanalyst@csub.edu.
The California State University has not determined whether its programs meet other states' educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students enrolled in a California State University program who are planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether they will meet their state's requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).
| Term | University Deadline | Bakersfield Campus Programs Deadline | Antelope Valley Campus Programs Deadline |
| Spring 2024 | Opens: August 1, 2023 Closes: October 30, 2023 Transcript deadline: November 13, 2023 |
Opens: September 1, 2023 Priority: October 2, 2023 Final: October 30, 2023 |
Opens: September 1, 2023 Priority: October 2, 2023 Final: October 30, 2023 |
| Fall 2024 | Opens: January 1, 2024 Closes: June 25, 2024 Transcript deadline: July 16, 2024 |
Opens: March 1, 2024 Priority: May 12, 2024 Final: June 3, 2024 |
Opens: March 1, 2024 Priority: May 12, 2024 Final: June 25, 2024 |
Application Steps
- Apply to the university
- Enroll in prerequisite/foundation courses (if applicable)
- Apply to the credential program
Detailed information and directions regarding each step of the application process is provided under the step's subheading. Please carefully read this information as failure to follow the steps may be cause for application rejection or denial.
- A summation/checklist of the application steps is contained in the program factsheets (pg. 2)
Step 1 - Apply to the University
The Teacher Credential programs are graduate level programs. A post-baccalaureate or graduate student is one who holds a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
University Graduate Admission Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Be in good standing from your last college/university attended
- Hold a minimum GPA of at least 2.5 in your last 60 semester or 90 quarter units
- Satisfactorily met the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities might prescribe
How to Apply
- Complete the graduate application on Cal State Apply for California State University, Bakersfield.
- The $70.00 nonrefundable application fee must be paid to process your application.
Cal State Apply Walkthrough Video
3. To complete your university application, you must send one official transcript
from all colleges or universities attended within 30 days of your application submission
or by the transcript deadline (whichever is sooner).
If the last school you attended was CSU Bakersfield, no transcripts are required.
Failure to provide official transcripts to CSU Bakersfield Admissions will delay or
withdraw your university application. Electronic transcripts are preferred.
Electronic transcripts may be emailed from your institution(s) to: incomingtranscripts@csub.edu
If you need to mail official transcripts, send them to:
California State University, Bakersfield
Office of Admissions, 47 SA
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
If you are graduating from your bachelor’s program and your degree is not posted at the time of sending your transcripts, you will need to send another transcript from the institution granting your bachelors degree with the degree posted on your transcript.
Application Acknowledgement
After your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail indicating the receipt of your application. In approximately two weeks, you should receive an acknowledgment e-mail which will provide you with a unique applicant ID number and information to log on to the one-stop student portal called myCSUB. This information is sent to the e-mail address you provided on your application so it is very important that the e-mail address you provided is current. You are expected to track the status of the submitted application and the receipt of all required.
APPLICATION EVALUATION
Evaluation of Eligibility: Upon receipt of all necessary documents, the Graduate Programs Admissions Coordinator will review your eligibility based on the minimum university requirements. If you are deemed eligible, your academic program will be notified. A decision letter will be sent upon completion of the departmental review of your qualifications.
Application Decision: Your status will also be reflected on myCSUB. Be sure to monitor your "To-Do" list regularly even after you have been admitted; there may be additional documents or requirements you will need to submit.
If admitted, students should familiarize themselves with the university registration policies.
Please note: Admission to the university does not imply or guarantee credential program admission.
Student Resource: Apply to CSUB as a graduate student
Information from the Graduate Center on applying to the university and further requirements after admission to the university is received.
Step 2 - Enroll in Prerequisites/Foundation Courses
Prior to being considered for program admission an applicant must have completed the early field experience with at least 45 hours in an elementary or secondary classroom setting. The evaluation from the course or waiver may be used in making a program admission decision. The foundation courses must also be completed prior to program admission consideration. Prerequisite/foundation courses must be passed with at least a "C" or "CR."
Upon receiving admission to the university, please register for the early field experience and foundation courses if not previously completed.
Early Field Experience course: EDTE 3000
This course can be found under Teacher Prep on the class schedule.
An approved EDTE 3000 waiver or an approved course substitution may be submitted to
fulfill this requirement.
Foundation courses: EDTE 3308, EDTE 4100, EDTE 4200
These courses can be found under Teacher Prep on the class schedule.
If you feel that you may have taken courses from another institution that would be
equivalent to these courses, you may submit a course substitution request. For substitution
request please see Multiple/Single Subject Course Substitution.
Please be advised:
- If you have previously completed the early field experience or foundation courses within the last 5 years or received a course substitution for all the foundation courses within the last 5 years then please review step 2 - applying to the program.
- If it has been over 5 years since you have taken any one of the foundation courses or early field experience course you may need to retake the courses as no course may be over 7 years old when applying for a preliminary credential per CTC guidelines. Please contact an admission advisor to inquire if you need to retake the foundation courses.
Student Resources:
Adding Classes:
Instructions on how to enroll in courses.
EDTE 3000 waiver
Waiver request for the early field experience requirement.
Course Substitution
Information and instructions on course substitutions.
Step 3 - Apply to the Program
To be considered for program admission the following requirements must be met. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee program admission. Priority admission consideration is given to applicants meeting 100% of the requirements.
Program Admission Eligibility Requirements
- Obtained admission to the university as a post-baccalaureate
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 in last 60 semester or 90 quarter units
- Successfully completed Early Fieldwork Experience
- Successfully completed foundation courses
- Submit a complete program application and supporting documents by the program deadline
- Successful program interview
How to apply
You must submit a program application, credential service fee, and supporting documents in one PDF file to the submission portal by the program deadline. Your program admissions advisor will add your recommendations to your application once your program application is received and notify you if you're eligible for a program interview.
Video summary of program application
Required Documents
Below are the documents required to complete your application.
Form: Program Application
A $30.00 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with your application to
the credential program. Applicants should submit the receipt for this fee with their
application. Applications will not be reviewed without the payment of this fee.
Student Resource: Credential Fee Payment Directions
CTC requires payment separate to this CSUB fee. An additional credential service fee will be required if applying to become an intern or change of program. CTC will also require additional fees.
Applicants must submit two recommendation forms. This form should be completed by an individual in a position to evaluate your professional dispositions such as a supervisor, or previous/current instructor. A relative may not make a recommendation.
Form: Recommendation Form
To be considered for program admission Credential Program Applicants must verify basic skills proficiency and may do so by completing one of the options below:
Options to Meet Basic Skills Requirement (BSR):
- Pass the CBEST
- Pass the CSET: Multiple Subject +Writing Skills examinations
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or CSU Placement Program
- Achieve qualifying scores on the SAT, ACT, or College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations
- Pass a Basic Skills Examination form another state
- By coursework or combination of coursework and exams
Please be advised that if an applicant has attempted basic skills but not yet met
basic skills, they may submit their results with their program application for consideration.
If admitted all sections must be passed prior to final student teaching. Priority
will be given to students meeting 100% BSR for admission consideration.
Student Resource: Basic Skills Requirement
Information on how to meet one of the basic skills requirement options
To be considered for admission Credential Program Applicants must meet Subject Matter Competency (SMC) by providing provide documentation in one of the following criteria:
- The Candidate must provide evidence of having passed and or attempted the appropriate
subject matter examination(s)
- For Multiple Subject Credential Program – Multiple Subject CSETs
- For Single Subject Credential Program – Appropriate Single Subject CSETs
- The Candidate must provide evidence of registration for the next scheduled examination.
- The Candidate provides evidence of continuous progress toward meeting subject matter requirement.
- The Candidate provides evidence of having completed a Commission approved appropriate
subject matter preparation program.
- For Multiple Subject Candidates – At least 80% Elementary Subject Matter Waiver.
- For Single Subject Candidates – At least 80% Subject Matter Waiver in appropriate content area.
- The Candidate submits a subject matter competency verification request.
If an applicant is admitted with 80% SMC, 100% subject matter competency (either CSETs, waiver, or verification) must be met before final student teaching. Priority will be given to students meeting 100% SMC for admission consideration.
Student Resource: Subject Matter Competency
Information on how to meet subject matter competency
Applicants must provide verification of having met the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) fingerprint character and identification process and the moral and professional fitness standards that CTC requires which meets the established California law standards. Verification can be met by providing a current and valid document issued by CTC.
Student Resource: Fingerprint/Certificate of Clearance
Information on how to apply and obtain fingerprint clearance
Applicants must provide a copy of a valid TB clearance. Acceptable documents:
- Negative Skin Test
- Negative X-ray or Blood Test
- Risk Assessment
- Risk assessments must have a valid medical professional’s signature/stamp and be on a valid CTCA questionnaire form or medical office letterhead.
Student Resource: Tuberculosis Clearance
Information on how to obtain tuberculosis clearance
Applicants must submit verification of completing a Mandated Reporter Training for School Personnel. A certificate of the training must be submitted with your application. A valid certificate is less than one year old.
Please note: If admitted to a credential program and your certificate expires before the end of the semester you will be required to complete a new training and receive a certificate before the start of the semester as part of clinical practice clearance.
Student Resource: Mandated Reporter Training
Information on how to complete the mandated reporter training.
Applicants must meet the writing assessment requirement. This requirement can be met in one the following ways:
- BSR writing verification
- Course passed with a "B-" or better that was approved to fulfill the BSR Request
- CBEST writing test (Exam CA097) passed with a test score of 41 or higher
- CSET Writing Skills (Exam CS142) passed with a test score of 220 or higher
- CSUB GWAR exam (score of 8 or higher)
- Other institutions GWAR exam are not accepted
- CSUB GWAR course passed with a "C" or better (CSUB Courses)
- Course substitutions are not accepted
- Passing score on CSUB Teacher Education writing essay
- Applicants who have not met the writing assessment requirement by BSR writing verification,
CSUB GWAR exam, or CSUB GWAR course may schedule to take the Teacher Education writing
essay. This is a timed, written essay passed on a writing prompt.
- Bakersfield Campus Students - Please contact Patricia Lane to schedule: plane3@csub.edu
- Antelope Valley Campus Students - Applicants will be contacted after submission of their complete program application to schedule for the essay.
- Applicants who have not met the writing assessment requirement by BSR writing verification,
CSUB GWAR exam, or CSUB GWAR course may schedule to take the Teacher Education writing
essay. This is a timed, written essay passed on a writing prompt.
If accommodation is needed for the CSUB Teacher Education writing essay, please notify the appropriate advisor of this need at the time of scheduling your essay appointment.
Applicants must successfully pass a program interview. These interviews are conducted as a group and panel interview by program faculty.
Applicants will be contacted after submission of their complete program application to schedule an interview.
PROGRAM APPLICATION SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow application submittal direction may be cause for delayed or rejection of an application. Please do not mail, email, or fax documents unless specified in admission requirements or requested by a program admissions advisor.
The credential program application should be compiled into one PDF and uploaded to the secure submittal portal. No other file format will be accepted. Do no zip or password protect your file. Do not upload multiple files; it must be in one file.
- To complete the program application, download it to your device. Open it in Adobe Reader, fill in and sign the application. Print or save the application as a PDF to your device. If you do not have Adobe Reader you can download the app for free from any app store.
- To compile your program application and supporting documents into one file you will
need to merge your documents.
Adobe Reader does not have merge functions unless purchased. To merge your documents there is free Adobe merge software available such as: I love PDF, PDF Merge, or PDF Joiner. - Name your PDF: Last name_First name_CSUB ID. Save a copy for your records.
- Upload your PDF file to the secure portal for the campus/program you are applying
to.
Secure Portals for PDF Upload Bakersfield Campus Antelope Valley Campus Multiple Subject Submittal Portal Multiple/Single Subject Submittal Portal Single Subject Submittal Portal -
PROGRAM APPLICATION EVALUATION PROCEDURE
Applicants to the Multiple and Single Subject Programs will be evaluated based on the California Code of Conduct—Title 5. Education, CSU Executive Order 1077, the Teacher Education Candidate Dispositions and the California Teaching Performance Expectations.
California State University, Bakersfield is committed to Equal Student Opportunity. Applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender, genetic information, gender identity or expression, nationality, marital status, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status.
Admission to the Credential Program is subject to a review of all documentation and recommendation by a committee of program faculty. Admission to the program is not automatic for applicants who have met minimum admission requirements. You will receive a letter notifying you of the committee’s decision.
CA Code of Regulation – Title 5. Education
Evaluation Procedure. When a candidate requests admission to a teacher education basic credential program, the campus shall evaluate the candidate and review the candidate's record in accordance with the review and evaluation procedures established at the campus. The teacher education faculty shall be involved in this review and evaluation. The decision of the campus resulting from this evaluation shall be final.
Evaluation Standards. Requirements for admission to a teacher education basic credential program shall be prescribed by the Chancellor, after appropriate consultation, and shall include the following:
- Professional Aptitude. The candidate shall demonstrate suitable aptitude for teaching in public schools, as determined by the campus. The procedures for making this determination shall include interviews and letters of recommendation.
- Physical Fitness. The candidate shall satisfy the standards of health and physical fitness required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Fundamental Skills. The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency in fundamental skills. Fundamental skills shall include written and spoken English. The Chancellor may require the demonstration of proficiency in additional fundamental skills for entrance to or continuation in a basic credential program. The campus shall determine whether the evidence of proficiency is acceptable.
- Personality and Character. The candidate shall demonstrate personality and character traits that satisfy the standards of the teaching profession. The assessment of the candidate shall be made by the teacher education faculty of the campus, who may also consider information from public school personnel and others. Tests, observations, and interviews may be employed by the campus for this assessment.
Note: Authority cited: Section 89030, Education Code. Reference: Section 89030, Education Code.
IF YOU RECEIVE PROGRAM ADMISSION:
- Professional Liability Insurance
Candidates must purchase professional liability insurance if admitted to the credential program. This insurance must be purchased from CSUB. This can be purchased in MyCSUB or at the cashier’s office on Bakersfield Campus or 100 Bldg. front desk at Antelope Valley Campus. Liability insurance is valid for one year from date of purchase.- Please note: If admitted to a credential program and your liability insurance expires before the end of the semester you will be required to purchase new insurance before the start of the semester as part of clinical practice clearance.
- Program Plan of Studies/Advising
Upon receipt of program admission letter candidates must schedule a meeting with their Program Advisor to complete a Program Plan of Studies/Advising Sheet. Your program advisor will be listed in your program admission letter.
Candidates are required to follow their program plan. If candidates wish to adjust or make a change to their program plan, they should schedule an appointment with their program advisor to discuss changes and possible impacts to their plan of studies. - Register for your courses
After meeting with your Program Advisor register for the courses on your program plan at the time of your registration appointment. Your appointment date will be listed in your MyCSUB. - Submit your clinical practice placement request
- Candidates should familiarize themselves with program guidelines by reading the program handbook.