The Basic Steps to Complete Admission into the Single Subject Credential Program in Science
(A summary of the key steps)

1. Minimum Degree required – A Bachelors degree with a grade point average of approximately 2.75. Note: The last 60 units of university course work are of primary importance

2. Respond in writing to an educational question for a maximum of 30 minutes prior to your interview with your advisor. A writing committee using a standardized English usage rubric will subsequently evaluate the clarity of your written response.

3. Pass the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) Exam. Check http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/ for scheduled dates. If already passed, please bring evidence of these results to the meeting.

4. Complete at least 30 hours of observation in a public middle or high school SCIENCE class. Upon completion, fill out the form at http://www.sjsu.edu/secondaryed/docs/Pre_Professional_Experience_Form.doc to document this field experience. Substituting experience typically can be used to meet this requirement.

5. Pass a basic technology competency exam that includes word processing, spreadsheet, Internet use, PowerPoint, and legal issues. Check the web site http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/it/compch/index.html for further information. You can download the registration form. A $35 fee is required. The exam is given monthly, usually on a Saturday morning.

6. Complete the Single Subject Credential Application available at http://www.sjsu.edu/secondaryed/docs/Applicant_Information_Form.pdf

7. Complete a Graduate School Application to SJSU. A $55 fee is required. No GRE required. Pick up a booklet from our office or go online to http://www.csumentor.edu/admissionapp/grad_apply.asp.

8. Two (2) sets of official transcripts from ALL U.S. college(s) attended (needs to be in a sealed envelope from the college(s)).

For foreign transcript holders, transcripts must be translated by an approved translation service found at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets-number.html (form CL-635).

9. Three (3) Recent Letters of Recommendation. The letters should be within the last two years and “should speak to your suitability and potential for teaching”.

10. Your standard resume, as if you were applying for a standard permanent position in industry.

11. Demonstrate your Basic U.S. Constitution knowledge, usually completed by taking an appropriate course or completing an exam on the Constitution (Contact 924-5980 for further information). The exam is available at any of the C.S.U. campuses. Completing an AP high school equivalent may not always be an acceptable substitute for this requirement. 

12. Certificate of Clearance (Finger Printing Packet). A special CCTC application form should be used. This form is available in the lobby area of the SJSU Police Department in the 7th street garage facility. A fee and an appointment are both required. For more information on finger printing services at SJSU, check out http://www.sjsupd.com/pages/admin/livescan.html

(a) Check http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/fee-and-fingerprint.html for alternate Live Scan fingerprinting sites.

(b) Live scans fingerprinting are acceptable from any location listed in (a). 

13. Meet with a Science Education Advisor. Bring an unsealed copy of all your transcripts or the official translation for foreign college transcripts holders. Your “Subject Matter Competency” will be determined by attempting to match your course work with the CCTC approved list in your subject area, per the SJSU worksheet provided. The alternative method of meeting “Subject Matter Competency” requires testing in general science as well as in your area of expertise. See www.CSET.nesinc.com for further details.

14. Last step, turn in all materials by the deadline date (see http://www.sjsu.edu/secondaryed/docs/App_reqwb.pdf) to the Single Subject Credential Administrative Assistant in Sweeney Hall Room 301.

The selection committee will review all potential candidates and notify successful applicants of their acceptance into the program. Arrangements for you to meet with your Secondary Education Advisor will be made at that time.

Last revised: July 26, 2007