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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. Apply to the SDSU Credential Program.  Obtain an application for the credential program in January (to begin Fall) or September (to begin Spring).  Applications for the regular credential are available on-line at http://edweb.sdsu.edu/STE/teachapp.htm, for the bilingual credential in the Policy Studies office (BA 248), and for special education in the Special Education office (NE 70).  Attend a group workshop.  Make sure you have completed the SDSU credential program prerequisite coursework. 
7. Reapply to the CSU using the Post-baccalaureate and Graduate Admissions application ($55.00).  This is necessary for all students, because when you graduate you exit the university and must then be readmitted. If you intend to complete prerequisite courses during the summer after a May graduation, it is generally more economical to delay graduation until August so you will be able to take those courses as an undergraduate instead of a post-baccalaureate student.