CA Credentials Requirements

Candidates must verify the California Basic Skills Requirement by either a qualifying score from eligible state exams or the CBEST which tests for basic reading and mathematics skills.

While at UCLA, satisfy CA’s Basic Skills Requirement

Obtain a qualifying score on: the CBEST, an AP Exam, the SAT, the ACT, the CSU EAP Exam, or the CSU Placement exams. Note: UCLA CalTeach will reimburse your CBEST fees upon receipt of your passing score. Click here to learn how to satisfy CA’s Basic Skills requirement.

Candidates for a CA Single Subject Credential in Mathematics must demonstrate “subject matter competence” by: 1) achieving a passing score on California’s three-part Subject Examination for Teachers in Mathematics (CSET), 2) completing a Mathematics or Applied Mathematics major, or 3) completing UCLA’s CA-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program.

Click here to register for the CSET.

Click here for additional information from the UCLA School of Education.

While at UCLA, satisfy Subject Matter Competence Requirement

The UCLA Math Department has a CA-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP) in Mathematics. This program highlights a series of math courses where upon completion, students request a letter from the UCLA Mathematics Department which verifies their “Subject Matter Competence.” Please email ugrad@math.ucla.edu once you complete 100% of the coursework to receive a Subject Matter Competence waiver. If you are applying for a teaching position your senior year but have not yet completed the coursework for SMPP, you may request an SMPP “In Progress” Letter.

SMPP In Progress Request Form
Note: The Mathematics for Teaching Major coursework follows this Subject Matter Preparation Program and thus undergraduate students in this major will automatically satisfy this requirement.

Candidates must satisfy the US Constitution requirement by either taking a course or passing a test based on the United States Constitution and the California State Government.

While at UCLA, satisfy the US Constitution Requirement

Complete one of these courses: Hist 13A, Hist 13B, Hist 13C, Hist 143A, Hist 143B or Poli Sci 40. You may also take the US Constitution test. Click here to register for the US Constitution Exam.

Pedagogical coursework is required for a CA Secondary Teaching Credential in Mathematics. Candidates typically complete one year of coursework in a post-baccalaureate CA-approved teacher credentialing program.

While at UCLA, satisfy the Pedagogical Competence Requirement

Complete courses that satisfy pedagogical competence through one of UCLA’s joint Mathematics and School of Education Pathways offered through our Math for LA Program, which runs concurrent with your B.S. degree or within one year after graduating. Click here to learn more about our undergraduate teaching credential pathways.

Candidates must complete 600 hours of supervised clinical practice through a teaching credential program. Note: Clinical practice hours are only accrued through a university course and cannot be accrued with personal tutoring sessions or other volunteer experience.

While at UCLA, satisfy the Clinical Practice Hours Requirement

Complete Math 73XP, Math 74XP and Math 75XP to begin accruing these hours as early as Freshman year. Complete Math 105ABC during senior year to continue accruing these hours. Only those who enroll in one of our teaching credential pathway are eligible to enroll in graduate education courses to complete the 600 hours of supervised clinical practice.

California education code requires that all individuals who seek to obtain California credentials receive fingerprint clearance from the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

While at UCLA, satisfy the Fingerprinting Requirement

The UCLA Police Department Records Unit provides Live Scan/background check fingerprint services for campus affiliates as well at the general public by appointment only. Click here to make an appointment at the UCLA police department.