Note: This page’s information is applicable for candidates pursuing certain programs which include the following:
- Integrated Studies with an Emphasis in Education (ISEE)
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Preliminary Teaching Credential Only (PTC)
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) – BSR Information Only
If you are not part of these aforementioned programs, please disregard or check with your Advising team if this information applies to you.
What is the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)?
- On June 29, 2024 California’s Governor signed SB153 into law, effective immediately. SB 153 allows “possession of a bachelor’s (or higher) degree earned at a regionally accredited college or university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR).”
- All PLNU candidates are required to have a conferred Bachelor’s (or higher) degree before becoming eligible for a credential recommendation to the CTC and will meet the Basic Skills Requirement with this degree.
For Candidates who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree:
- Proof of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) through one of the non-degree options listed on the CTC website will only be required if you wish to apply for the “Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers” so you can substitute teach while working on your Bachelor’s degree.
- If you have questions or need assistance with proof of BSR in order to apply for this permit, please reach out to the Credential Analyst team at soecredentials@pointloma.edu.
What is Subject Matter Competency (SMC)?
- Subject Matter Competency (SMC) is required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for anyone who is pursuing a teaching credential.
- California Education Code requires that all teaching credential candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter area for their intended credential.
Directly from the Subject Matter Requirements page on the CTC Website, some ways to satisfy SMC include:
- Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission examination (the California Subject Examination for Teachers or CSET).
- Passage of a subject matter.
- Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation.
- Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:
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- For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
- For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282. See PSA 21-10.
- For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282. See PSA 21-10.
5. Through a combination of the methods described in clauses (1), (2), and (3) in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.
If you would like a Subject Matter Competency review from our Credential Analysts to see if you meet SMC through coursework or degree match, please fill out this Google Form that goes directly to our Credential Analysts.
