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STEP - Admission - Require - Testing

Testing Requirements

1. GRE

The GRE is no longer required for STEP applicants*. 

2. TOEFL

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English.

  • The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required.
  • Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL.
  • The Graduate School of Education requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test, or 100 for the internet-based test to be considered for admission.
  • The test may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline. Be sure to take the test in time for your scores to be received at Stanford by the application deadline.

For more information on TOEFL requirements, please see the FAQ - TOEFL.

Stanford Institution code: 4704 (no department code is required).

TOEFL website

3. California Basic Skills Requirement

A basic skills examination is required of all admitted students.

  • Applicants residing in California should take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) by the application deadline and receive passing scores prior to the start of the program in June.
  • Applicants residing outside of California admitted to STEP will need to pass the CBEST no later than the end of their first quarter in the program. Some out of state basic skills exams can be used in lieu of the CBEST.  To verify eligibility Out-of-State Basic Skills Exams Guide to find your state's basic skills exam.
  • Multiple Subject candidates may also choose to take the CSET: Writing Skills exam to meet the basic skills requirement.
  • The Basic Skills Requirement can be satisfied with other options. For more information please see Commission on Teacher Credentialing Basic Skills Requirement.
  • All admitted STEP students must satisfy the basic skills requirement before they can assume daily teaching responsibility in their placements.
  • If you have previously passed the exam, include a score report with your application.

CBEST website

Stanford reporting code: 327

4. California Subject Matter Competence Requirement

Only STEP teacher candidates who have demonstrated satisfactory subject matter competence may assume daily classroom student teaching.

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