Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a Credential Program?

Some of the basic requirements are:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited university
• 45 Hours of Field Experience (working or volunteering in classrooms)
• Demonstrating subject matter competency with the passage of California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or completion of the approved single subject program
• Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

To find out more about the requirements, visit the SF State Teacher Preparation Center.

What if I just want to teach middle school math or science?

If you would only like to teach in grades 6-9, you may choose to receive a Foundational Level Teaching Credential in either mathematics (FLM) or general science (FLGS). Foundational level credentials are ideal for students with strong mathematics or science backgrounds but who are not necessarily a math or science major. It is a popular choice for students pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies or Child and Adolescent Development (CAD) who want to have the flexibility of teaching at the middle school level. There are courses and special scholarships offered at CSME. Please reach out to CSME main office at csme@sfsu.edu for application information or any other questions.

The Single Subject Teaching Credential in Foundational Mathematics allows an individual to teach all math courses up and including Algebra II (includes: Pre-Algebra, Algebra Geometry, Advanced Algebra, and Probability and Statistics). This option is available to multiple and single subject credential holders and students of any major who are interested in teaching mathematics.

What kind of courses should I take as an undergraduate?

For advising on coursework appropriate for secondary teaching, we suggest you visit the links below:

Science Teaching

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth Science/Geoscience
• Physics and Astronomy
• Math Teaching

What kind of support can I get as a future math or science teacher?

CSME offers a variety of support, including the CSME Teacher Fellowship and the Robert Noyce Scholars Program. Please reach out to csme@sfsu.edu for application information or any other questions.

Pathways to Obtain Foundational Mathematics Credential

If you are a...

Single Subject Teaching Credential Holder

1. Subject Matter Competency: Pass the mathematics CSET subtests I (110) and II (111)

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Holder

1. Subject Matter Competency: Pass the mathematics CSET subtests I (110) and II (111)
2. Complete SED 759: Math Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment course

Current Undergraduate Student wanting to pursue a Multiple Subject Credential with Foundational Level Mathematics Credential

1. Complete any prerequisite any courses and earn a Bachelor's degree
2. Achieve Basic Skills Requirement
3. Complete Subject Matter Competency by
   • Multiple Subject CSET Subtests I, II, and III AND Mathematics CSET Subtests I (110) and II (111)
4. Finish the Multiple Subject Credential Program

Current Undergraduate Student wanting to pursue a Multiple Subject Foundational Level Mathematics Credential

1. Complete any required prerequisite courses and earn a Bachelor's degree
2. Achieve Basic Skills Requirement by one of the following:
   • Passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test
   • A score of "College Ready" or "Exempt" in Math and English on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Exam
   • A score of 50 or better on the Entry Leve Mathematics (ELM) Test and a score of 151 or better on the English Placement Test (EPT)
3. Achieve Subject Matter Competency
   • Mathematics CSET Subtests I (110) and II (111)
4. Finish the Single Subject Credential Program

To add the Foundational Level General Science Credential (with a Foundational Mathematics Credential)

1. Pass the CSET 118 and 119 (General Sciences)
2. Take and complete Science Methods course

The Foundational Level General Science Credential is available to Multiple and Single Subject Credential holders and students of any major interested in teaching science. A single subject teaching credential in Foundational Level General Science authorizes the credential holder to teach most K-12 public school general science courses (not higher-level Science courses).

Pathways to Obtain Foundational Level General Science Credential

If you are a...

Single Subject Credential Holder wanting to pursue a Foundational Level General Science Credential

1. Establish subject matter competency by successfully passing the general Science CSET subtests I (118) and II (119)

Multiple Subject Credential Holder wanting to pursue a Foundational Level Science Credential

1. Establish subject matter competency by successfully passing the general Science CSET subtests I (118) and II (119)
2. Complete a 3-unit Single Subject Methods course

Undergraduate and Career-Changer Pathway to a Foundational Level General Science Teaching Credential

Multiple Subject

1. Complete prerequisite coursework and earn a Bachelor's Degree, and complete 45 hours of Early Field Experience (EFE). CSME provides opportunities for EFE hours through our hands-on Science teaching course, STEM HOUSE.
2. Complete Single Subject Methods course
3. Complete basic skills requirement via one of the following options:
   • Passing score on the CBEST (California Basic Examinations Skills Test)
   • A score of "College Ready" or "Exempt" in Math and English on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Exam
   • A score of 50 or better on the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Test and a score of 151 or better on the English Placement Test (EPT)
4. Establish Subject Matter Competency by completing:
   • Multiple Subject CSET subtests I, II, and III AND Science CSET subtests I (118) and II (119)
5. Complete the Multiple Subject Credential Program

Single Subject

1. Complete prerequisite coursework and earn Bachelor's degree
2. Complete basic skills requirement via one of the following options:
   • Passing score on the CBEST (California Basic Examinations Skills Test)
   • Score of "College Ready" or "Exempt" in Math and English on the Early Assessment Program (EAP) Exam
   • Score of 50 or better on the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Test and a score of 151 or better on the English Placement Test (EPT)
3. Establish Subject Matter Competency by completing:
   • Science CSET subtests I (118) and II (119)
4. Complete the Single Subject Credential Program

To add the Foundational Level Mathematics Credential (with a Foundational Level General Science Credential)

1. Pass the CSET 110 and 111 (Mathematics)
2. Take and complete Mathematics Methods course

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