Subject Matter Competence – STEP SECONDARY (Single Subject Candidates)
STEP Single Subject Candidates** must demonstrate subject matter competence in one of the following two ways:
OPTION 1:
California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET)
The CSET is the primary way to verify your subject knowledge. Due to California credentialing requirements we do not accept subject matter competency tests from other states. We strongly urge applicants to take the CSET before applying to STEP. Applications will be reviewed if candidates have not taken the exams or have not received their results by the application deadline.
To begin the program in June, however, applicants must pass a minimum of two CSET subtests in their intended teaching subject. Candidates must ultimately pass all subtests by January of their program year.
**STEP Secondary Science Applicants - When registering for the CSET please choose the "Science" series (not "Foundational Science"). All Science applicants should take subtest I (test code 215) in addition to their subject specific area (ie Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics - tests codes 217, 218, 219 or 220). Keep in mind only subtest I is required to start the program. All two subtests will be required by January of the program year.
**STEP World Languages Applicants – CSET subsets for World Languages applicants are only available during specific 4-week testing windows. Follow this link to learn more about the testing windows.
CSET single subjects exams are now offered as a computer based test, year round, Monday through Saturday in California and across the country. STEP applicants should plan on taking the CSET no later than March 31, 2019. Advanced registration is required.
Please visit California Basic Educational Skills Test page for information on test date locations, registering for the exam and test preparation materials.
If you have previously passed any of the exams, include a score report with your application.
CSET Stanford reporting code: 582
OPTION 2:
Subject Matter Program:
Certain California institutions have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) to offer subject matter programs (essentially, specialized majors) that meet state requirements for subject matter competence, in lieu of the approved exams. This program verifies you have completed the course work (undergraduate or graduate level) that the university feels is critical to a solid subject matter understanding. If you are completing/have completed one of these approved subject matter programs, contact the teacher education department at your institution for an evaluation of your course work.