Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content

Teaching Credential Programs

Apply to a Credential Program

Application Period

Spring 2022 Fall 2022
September 27 - November 1, 2021 January 31 - March 31, 2022

 

Teacher reading book to classroom

Important Facts

  • Completed credential program applications are processed in the order they are received throughout the application period.
  • Applicants that have met all admission requirements will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis, space permitting.
  • Once these admissions are done special circumstance requests will be considered. A special circumstance request must be submitted if you were unable to take CBEST or CSET tests due to Covid-19. Special circumstance admission will be determined by application review and program capacity once regular admissions are completed.
  • Incomplete program applications will not be processed.
  • We recommend that anyone preparing to apply for the current or next admission cycle attend an information session with our advisors.

Press Release: California Approves New Options for Incoming Teachers to Demonstrate Professional Competency

July 13, 2021

With the passage of the 2021-22 State Budget agreement, California expanded the choices available to teacher candidates by permitting, for the first time, relevant collegiate-level coursework to be used to meet the Basic Skills (BSR) and Subject Matter (SMC) requirements in lieu of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) and the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).

We are currently in the process of determining the specific courses and conditions that will satisfy the BSR and SMC requirements. This webpage will be updated once that determination is made. Thank you for your patience.

Prerequisites, Degree and GPA Admission Requirements

  • Single Subject applicants should refer to the Admission Process Guide for prerequisite information.
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or 90 units towards a blended Liberal Studies degree or integrated program from Fresno State.
  • A GPA of 2.67 or higher overall or 2.75 or higher in the last 60 units. (If you do not meet this requirement, you still have an opportunity for admission by completing a Special Consideration Form and attaching it with your application.)

All requirements are subject to change due to new legislative mandates.

Two Applications Required

A. Fresno State Application

All applicants must apply to Fresno State with these exceptions:

  • You are a current Fresno State Master's degree (post baccalaureate) student
  • You will still be a Fresno State undergraduate starting the credential program
Apply to Fresno State online: Cal State Apply. 
  • Refer to these Cal State Apply Instructions if needed.
  • After applying to Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with your student ID number. Make sure the spam filters on your email account are set to accept email from mail.fresnostate.edu.  Important admission notifications will be sent to your Fresno State email account.

B. Credential Program Application

Step 1. Program Selection

  • Instructions to submit your credential program application.
  • You must have a Fresno State student ID number before applying.
  • You can only apply during an open application period.
  • You must upload the 12 attachments in Step 2 to complete your application before applying. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Step 2. Application Attachments

Refer to Leaflet CL 667 to review options to meet the basic skills requirement (BSR).
Provide ONLY ONE of these 7 options:
  1. Verification of passing all three subtests of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
  2. An official score report that verifies passing the College Board SAT Reading or Verbal (500) and SAT Mathematics (550) if test taken before March 2016.
  3. An official score report that verifies passing the College Board SAT Reading and Writing (560) and SAT Mathematics (570) if test taken after March 2016.
  4. An official score report that verifies passing the ACT English (22) and ACT Mathematics (23)
  5. Verification of passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Writing Skills exam and CSET: Multiple Subject exam
  6. Verification of a score of 3 or higher on the AP English Language and Composition or the AP English Literature and Composition Exam and a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus or Statistics Exam
  7. Completed BSR Transcript Audit Request Form verifying approved coursework or combination of coursework and exams.

Refer to the Special Circumstance Form in the Additional Documents section below if you were unable to complete this requirement due to COVID-19.

 

Graduates of a State-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program at Fresno State

  • Attach unofficial transcripts with your application.

Graduates of a State-approved Subject Matter Preparation Program from other California Institutions

  • Attach an original subject matter competency verification letter from your school.

All other applicants are required to pass CSET's

  • Attach a copy of all subject matter CSET test scores. (Registration and test information: www.cset.nesinc.com).

Refer to the Special Circumstance Form in the Additional Documents section below if you were unable to complete this requirement due to COVID-19.

For instructions on obtaining a Certificate of Clearance, click on the Livescan/Certificate of Clearance Instructions.

  • Attach a copy of your certificate of clearance. Do not attach live scan forms or receipts.

Complete the Pre-Program Experience Form and select one option for meeting the requirement:

  • Successfully completed EHD 50 at Fresno State
  • Successfully completed an equivalent course
  • Pre-Program Field Experience Verification (no units on transcript)
  • Unable to complete due to Covid 19

Two current (within 1 year) recommendations are required. It is recommended (but not required) that at least one of the recommendation forms is completed by an instructor/faculty in your subject area and the other can be someone who knows you personally or professionally.

  • If your recommendation is emailed to the admissions analyst, you must attach a statement indicating this as attachment 5. 

Two current (within 1 year) recommendations are required. It is recommended (but not required) that at least one of the recommendation forms is completed by an instructor/faculty in your subject area and the other can be someone who knows you personally or professionally.

  • If your recommendation is emailed to the admissions analyst, you must attach a statement indicating this as attachment 6. 

Schedule and complete an admission interview with faculty and attach your signed admission interview form and personal narrative. (Upload as one document)

The Personal Narrative is a writing sample to showcase your proficiency in written English. Please use this template.

Submit current and completed TB Risk Assessment form signed and stamped by the Fresno State Student Health Center, a private physician, or an appropriate State of CA health agency. Page 1 and page 3 of the assessment need to be uploaded as one attachment.

Other medical clearance forms and TB test result forms will not be accepted.

Complete Mandated Reporters Training for “School Personnel”. 

  • Visit this website
  • Complete General Training
  • Complete School Personnel Training  
  • Attach the school personnel completion certificate with your application.

Keep a copy of the certificate for your own records. Mandated Reporter Training is valid for two years. General training does not need to be repeated when renewing your certificate.

Select the appropriate Advising Sheet for your program and attach it with your program application.  Keep a copy for your reference.

Multiple Subject

Dual Campus Evening Cohorts

Education Specialist Campus Evening Cohort

Education Specialist Clovis Residency

Single Subject

Note: Advising forms are subject to change.

Provide unofficial transcripts to verify undergraduate degree, GPA, and completion or enrollment in prerequisite courses.

Provide unofficial transcripts indicating a U.S. Constitution course passed with a ‘C’ or better, or verification that you have passed a U.S. Constitution exam.

Passing a U.S. Constitution course or exam is not an admission requirement, but will be required if you apply for an internship and at the time of application for your state preliminary credential.

If needed, attach the following with your application:

To request a course substitution complete the appropriate form and email it, along with requested documents to the program coordinator.

Questions?

Attend an Info Session
Contact Us