Kremen School of Education and Human Development
Basic Skills Requirement
FAQs on BSR
California Education Code Sections 44252 and 44252.6 specify that teacher credential candidates must demonstrate, in English, proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills.
The California Education Code and Title 5 Regulations specify, in most cases, that
applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools
of California must verify basic skills proficiency before the credential, certificate,
or permit will be issued. For Preliminary Teaching Credential Candidates, the basic
skills requirement must be met prior to serving as an intern.
Refer to Leaflet CL 667 and the Basic Skills dropdown on the teaching credential application website.
It is recommended that those who are interested in possibly becoming a teacher in
the future review the basic skills requirement as soon as possible and develop a plan
for how they intend to meet it. Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate
program should discuss how to best meet the Basic Skills Requirement with an academic
advisor.
Yes, if you intend to apply for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the
public schools of California.
No. It is still one of the options that can be used to meet the BSR.
Passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is one of the ways to
meet the basic skills requirement (BSR). Approved coursework is another way to meet
the BSR. However, the CBEST consists of three subtexts that you must pay a fee of
$30 per test whereas the coursework option requires no additional cost except for
tuition-related expenses.
A new option to meet the basic skills requirement with coursework or a combination of coursework and exams.
Yes, passing the CBEST meets the basic skills requirement and a BSR audit should not be requested. CBEST scores do not expire.
- Earn a grade of "B-" or better, pass, or credit
- Have been taken at a regionally accredited college or university
- Three-semester units (or equivalent quarter units)
- Been taken for academic credit (earned units)
- Be degree applicable (AA degree applicable is OK)
- For Reading, be in the subject of critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis
- For Writing, be the subject of composition, English, rhetoric, written communications, or writing
- For Mathematics, be in the subject of algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics
Submit a BSR Coursework Audit Request. Refer to the question below for directions
- "How do I request a BSR Coursework Audit at Fresno State?"
No. Courses from other accredited higher education institutions such as community
colleges, other campuses within the California State University system, and the University
of California system just to name a few examples.
Go to the credential application website and scroll down to Step 2. Application Attachments. Click on the Basic Skills dropdown
and then click on the BSR Transcript Audit Request link.
Yes, you can request an audit if you have passed part of a basic skills test but have
not passed all subtests. The BSR can be met with a combination of approved coursework
and BSR tests.
If you are applying to a credential program, include your verification email with
your program application.
If you are applying to a credential program for Spring 2022, and have not yet met
the BSR through coursework or exams due to Covid 19, you can submit a special circumstance
request. The request form is located in the Additional Documents section of the credential application website. You may also choose to take an approved course, earn a ‘B’ or higher and then resubmit
a BSR Coursework Audit Request.
Any candidate who has met the basic skills requirement through coursework or through
a combination of coursework and examination is exempt from taking the basic skills
proficiency exam.
Yes, refer to the question above for directions - "How do I request a BSR Coursework
Audit at Fresno State?"
Submit a BSR Coursework Audit Request. Refer to the question above for directions
- "How do I request a BSR Coursework Audit at Fresno State?"