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School of Education

Credential Recommendation Guides

Below you will find detailed information on eligibility requirements and recommendation processess for all credentials offered by the School of Education at CSU San Marcos.

Jump to a credential guide:

Preliminary Teacher Credentials

Detailed below is the process for current CSUSM Credential completers who would like to obtain the following: Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and/or Education Specialist Instruction credentials.

Please Note: the information in this section only pertains to Preliminary teaching credentials. If you would like information about obtaining an Intern Education Specialist Instruction credential, or a Clear Education Specialist Instruction credential, see below, or use the "Jump-To Links" at the top of this page.

Eligibility Requirements

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  • Eligibility Requirements for Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Credentials
    1. Complete all Credential coursework
    2. Complete all Credential Co-Requisite Requirements
      1. U.S. Constitution Requirement
      2. Health Education Requirement
      3. Valid CPR Certification (valid for two years)
    3. Successful completion of California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) Cycles 1 & 2.
    4. Successful completion of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) exams (Multiple Subject and First-Year Education Specialist Concurrent students only)

    For additional information on Credential Co-Requisites, CalTPAs, or RICA, see the Current Student Information on the School of Education website.

  • Eligibility Requirements for Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Concurrent)
    • Complete all Education Specialist Concurrent coursework (Year One and Year Two)
    • Satisfy one of the following options (1 or 2):

    Option One

        • Possess a valid Preliminary Multiple Subject credential issued by the CTC. (This includes completion of the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPAs) and verification of an English Learner (EL) authorization.)

    Option Two

        • Successful completion of California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) Cycles 1 & 2.
        • Successful completion of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) exams.
        • Complete all Credential Co-Requisite Requirements
          1. U.S. Constitution Requirement
          2. Health Education Requirement
          3. Valid CPR Certification (valid for two years)
  • Eligibility Requirements for Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Add-On)
    • Complete all Education Specialist Add-On Program coursework
    • Possess a valid Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject credential issued by the CTC. (This includes completion of the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPAs) and verification of an English Learner (EL) authorization.)

Recommendation Process

After completion of all Credential requirements. Credential candidates will follow the process outlined below to complete the Preliminary Credential recommendation process.

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Clear Education Specialist Credential

Detailed below is the process for current CSUSM Education Specialist (ES) completers who hold a valid California-issued, Clear Teaching Credential and would like to obtain a Clear Education Specialist Instruction Credential. 

Eligibility Requirements

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Recommendation Process

After completion of all credential requirements. Credential candidates will follow the process outlined below to complete the ES Credential recommendation process.

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  • Step One: Complete all ES Credential Requirements
    • See Eligibility Requirements above
  • Step Two: Pay the CEHHS Credential Evaluation Fee
    • CEHHS charges a $25.00 fee for each credential application reviewed and processed. Please pay the fee online before submitting the ES Clear Credential Recommendation Request.
    • Credential Evaluation Fee
  • Step Three: Submit the ES Credential Recommendation Request
  • Step Four: Complete the Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service form

    Complete the Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service (form 41-4) and print completed form

    • Be sure all applicable sections of the application are completed
    • Review and follow the detailed Application Instructions and/or Instructional Video carefully before completing the application. If reviewing the video, note that you may also use the outline on the right side of the screen to navigate to individual sections.

    Guidance for Completing Application (41-4) for Clear Education Specialist Credential

    Section 2.  Application Type > Select “New Credential/Permit”

    Section 3.  Choose Document Type > Select “Education Specialist”

    Section 4.  Select Authorization/Subject Area(s) > Select “Special Education”

    From the drop-down menu > select either “Mild to Moderate Support Needs” or “Extensive Support Needs”

    • After you’ve completed the form, generate and print the document
    • $100 required fee. Fees may be submitted to CEHHS Student Services as a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).  See additional information on the CTC's Fee Schedule.
  • Step Five: Submit the Application and Fee to CEHHS Student Services
    • Once you have completed the application, please deliver the Application (41-4) and $100 required fee to CEHHS Student Services (University Hall 222).
      • Proper postage/mail materials (Federal Express or certified mail) are required.
      • CEHHS will email confirmation/tracking information to the credential candidate after the application has been mailed
    • Please email CEHHS Student Services at cehhs-ss@csusm.edu to schedule a time to drop off the application packet.
  • Step Six: Review the Credential Evaluation Process
    1. Credential recommendation requests are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis and are processed in the order they are received. Students Services will review and mail your completed application packet to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) within 5 business days of receiving the completed application packet.   
    2. If additional information is required to process the recommendation request, Student Services staff will communicate through email regarding outstanding requirements.
    3. Once the CTC receives the application packet, it will begin processing/reviewing. The CTC outlines the following regarding processing time:
      • Applications are processed in the date order in which they are received.
      • You may check your application status online using the Educator Login. Note that it may take several weeks after the Commission has received your application for it to appear in the online system, as the Commission receives hundreds of applications each day.
      • Current law sets a maximum processing time for the evaluation of applications of 50 business days after the Commission receives a completed application. This timeframe does not include weekends or holidays.
      • Applications delayed for completion of a fitness review or fingerprint processing are not subject to the 50-business day restriction. Please wait until the maximum processing time has passed before contacting the Commission regarding your application status.

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Education Specialist Intern Credential

Detailed below is the process for current CSUSM Education Specialist Credential candidates (Concurrent Year Two or Add-On) who need to obtain the Education Specialist University Intern Teaching Credential. 

Eligibility Requirements

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  • Eligibility Requirements for Education Specialist Intern Credential

    Internship agreements are in place with school districts in San Diego County.  You must first meet the requirements to be an intern and then apply to approved schools/districts for internship opportunities.   

    Satisfy one of the following (1 or 2): 

    1. Admission to the Education Specialist Add-On Program, or
    2. Progression to semester three of the Education Specialist Concurrent Program, satisfying one (1) of the following options:

    Option One

      • Possess a valid Preliminary Multiple Subject credential issued by the CTC. (This includes completion of the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPAs) and verification of an English Learner (EL) authorization.) 

    Option Two

      • Successful completion of semester one and two of ES Concurrent program coursework, and 
      • Successful completion of California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) Cycles 1 & 2. 
      • Complete the U.S. Constitution Requirement 
      • Complete the Health Education Requirement 

Recommendation Process

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Educational Administration PASC or CE

Detailed below is the process for current CSUSM MA in Educational Administration completers (including those pursuing only the PASC coursework without the Master's degree) who would like to obtain a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) or Certificate of Eligibility (CE). 

Eligibility Requirements

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  • Eligibility Requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Credential
    1. Possess a valid prerequisite teaching credential (See terms and definitions on the CTC’s website).
    2. Complete all PASC Coursework.
    3. Successful completion of California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) Leadership Cycles (1, 2 and 3).
    4. Five years of successful, full-time experience in a public school, nonpublic school, or private school of equivalent status located in California or another state, or a combination of experience earned in California and another state.For additional details, see terms and definitions on the CTC’s website.
    5. Verification of employment (form CL-777) in an administrative position. 
    If you do not currently have an offer of employment in an administrative position, please request recommendation for a Certificate of Eligibility (see below for details
  • Eligibility Requirements for the Certificate of Eligibility

    An individual who has completed requirements 1-4 for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential but does not have an offer of employment in an administrative position may apply for a Certificate of Eligibility, which verifies completion of all requirements for the preliminary credential and authorizes the holder to seek employment as an administrator. 

    • The Certificate of Eligibility has no expiration date. Once securing an offer of employment, the holder of a Certificate of Eligibility may apply for the preliminary credential by submitting an application ( form 41-4), a Verification of Employment Form (CL-777), and current processing fee to the Commission office.

Recommendation Process

After completion of all PASC/Certificate of Eligibility requirements. Credential candidates will follow the process outlined below to complete the PASC or Certificate of Eligibility recommendation process.

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MA in Educational Administration Degree Conferral

In addition to the PASC coursework outlined above, students who are completing the MA in Educational Administration will also be required to complete EDAD 622 (A, B, & C), and EDAD 698 (A, B, & C). The MA in in Educational Administration requirements are typically completed early-August, but summer grades are not considered official until late-August. The Office of the Registrar will not be able to confer your degree until after grades are official.    

Please review information on the Graduation Process and Timeline and reach out to the Office of the Registrar if you have additional questions regarding the degree conferral process.   

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Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA)

Detailed below is the process for current CSUSM students completing the Reading, Language and Literacy program (including those pursuing only the RLAA coursework without the master’s degree) who would like to obtain a Reading and Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA).

Elibility Requirements

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  • Eligibility Requirements
    1. Possess a valid basic California teaching credential, which may be one of the following:
      1. A teaching credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and a professional preparation program, including student teaching.
      2. A clear, full-time designated subjects teaching credential, provided that the holder also possesses a bachelor’s degree and has met the basic skills requirement. Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university satisfies both the degree requirement and the Basic Skills Requirement beginning 6/29/2024. 
    2. Possess an English Learner Authorization.
    3. Verification of three years of successful, full-time teaching experience. (See terms and definitions on the CTC's website).
    4. Complete all Reading and Literacy Added Authorization coursework:
        • EDRL 606
        • EDRL 610
        • EDRL 613
        • EDRL 614A
        • EDRL 614B
        • EDRL 616

Recommendation Process

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Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC)

Detailed below is the process for current CSUSM students completing the Reading, Language and Literacy program (including those pursuing only the RLLSC coursework without the master’s degree) who would like to obtain the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential (RLLSC).

Eligibility Requirements

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  • Eligibility Requirements
    1. Possess a valid basic California teaching credential, which may be one of the following:
      1. A teaching credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and a professional preparation program, including student teaching.
      2. A clear, full-time designated subjects teaching credential, provided that the holder also possesses a bachelor’s degree and has met the basic skills requirement. Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university satisfies both the degree requirement and the Basic Skills Requirement beginning 6/29/2024. 
    2. Possess an English Learner Authorization.
    3. Verification of three years of successful, full-time teaching experience. (See terms and definitions on the CTC’s website).
    4. Complete all Reading and Literacy Specialist Credential Coursework:
      • EDRL 606
      • EDRL 610
      • EDRL 613
      • EDRL 614A
      • EDRL 614B
      • EDRL 616
      • EDRL 618
      • EDRL 619
      • EDRL 623
      • EDRL 627

Recommendation Process

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MA in Reading, Language & Literacy Degree Conferral

In additional to the RLLSC coursework outlined above, students who are completing the MA in Reading, Language and Literacy will also be required to complete EDUC 622 and EDRL 698.  The MA in Reading, Language and Literacy requirements are typically completed mid-October and fall grades are not considered official until early January (date varies).  The Office of the Registrar will not be able to confer your degree until after grades are official.    

Please review information on the Graduation Process and Timeline and reach out to the Office of the Registrar if you have additional questions regarding the degree conferral process.   

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