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Preparing to Enter the SDSU Credential Program

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Preparing to Enter the SDSU Credential Program

Credential programs are administered by the SDSU College of Education.  The process of transitioning from the undergraduate Liberal Studies major to a credential program needs to begin at least one year before you plan to graduate.  All students are encouraged to visit the SDSU College of Education’s Office of Advising and Outreach in Business Administration, Room 259.

1. Take and pass the CBEST examination.  http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/. Application booklets and information about preparation workshops are in BA 259.  The test fee is approximately $50.00. This can be done as early as the Junior year.
2. Pass your Liberal Studies 498 assessment ($45.00).  You must pass both the content and writing portions of the assessment to graduate. This should be done in your second to last semester.
3. Take and pass the CSET.  http://www.cset.nesinc.com/. Test booklets are available in BA 259.  Cliffs Study Guide is available in the Liberal Studies office and the Reserve Book room of the library. Students should begin taking the three CSET subtests in their second to last semester. Scores are valid for five years.
4. Apply for graduation ($55.00).  Visit http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/advising/ to view the application filing periods and to download an application. The earliest dates to apply are generally July 1 to graduate the following May or August and February 1 to graduate the following December.
5. Apply for Certificate of Clearance. http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/materials.html. Details can also be obtained from a College of Education advisor in BA 259. BEGIN THIS PROCESS AT LEAST SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE
6. Reapply to the CSU using the CSU’s online application system. You can begin with SDSU’s site: http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/apply.html ($55.00). (Because you exit the university when you are graduated, you must be readmitted.) If you intend to complete prerequisite courses during the summer after a May graduation, it is sometimes more economical to delay graduation until August so you will be able to take those courses as an undergraduate and pay undergraduate
7. Apply to the Credential Program. Once you have applied to CSU, you should visit the College of Ed’s website to apply online. Start with http://coe.sdsu.edu/admissions/graduate/. You’ll want to be sure to attend a group advising workshop and complete the prerequisites for your program of choice (see reverse).