Santa Clara University

The minimum requirements for the Preliminary Credential include:
1. A baccalaureate or higher degree in a subject area (not in professional education)
from an accredited institution.
2. Completion of an approved program of professional education, including student
teaching.
3. Passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
4. Approved coursework or an exam on the provisions and principles of the U.S.
Constitution.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of the various methods of teaching reading by completion
of coursework or passage of an approved examination.
6. Completion of a state-approved subject-matter preparation program or passage
of a subject-matter exam (California Subject Examination for Teachers [CSET]
in the area in which the student plans to teach).
7. Multiple subjects credential candidates must also pass the Reading Instruction
Competency Assessment (RICA). This examination should be taken after completion
of the reading courses that cover the content tested but before the candidate
completes the program.