Credential Advising
The Charter College of Education has credential advising via an online form. To schedule an appointment please click on the button below:
Powered by Appointment-Plus
For more information, please visit their office in King Hall, Wing D, room 2069, or call (323) 343-4300.
Single-Subject Science Teaching Credential
Subject Matter Competency
California teaching credential candidates are required by law to verify their subject matter knowledge and competencies and are provided two alternative paths for fulfilling this requirement. One way is to complete a program of subject matter preparation approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The second way is to pass one or more subject matter examinations.
The Natural Science Degree at California State University Los Angeles is a program of subject matter preparation approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Hence, students completing that degree are exempt from the CSET exams (California Subject Examinations for Teachers). For students who have completed their degree at a campus that does not have a program of subject matter preparation approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), California State University Los Angeles provides transcript evaluations for CSET waivers.
The following two documents should be reviewed before submitting materials for evaluation. If you are not eligible for Subject Matter Authorization, applying for it may cost you an unnecesary $65.
Procedures for Transcript Evaluation for Single-Subject Teaching Credential Candidates
- Obtain a Control Card from the CSLA Charter College of Education (King Hall D2078; 323-343-4320).
- Pay a transcript evaluation fee at the CSLA Cashier's Office (Admin 128; 323-343-3630) and get a receipt. (The fee is refunded if you get your credential at CSLA.).
- Take the following documents to the Natural Science Credential Adviser in your field of study: a copy of your transcript evaluation fee receipt (you should keep the original), the control card, and your transcripts (unofficial OK) and a copy of your teaching credential if you are pursuing a Subject Matter Authorization.
The Natural Science Degree credential advisors will evaluate transcripts and indicate which science classes, if any, need to be completed.
As of Jan 1, 2003 the CSET exams have replaced the SSAT/PRAXIS exams for the Single Subject Science Credential with emphases in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences or Physics. To pass the CSET Science examination, examinees must register for and pass the two General Science subtests as well as one specialized subtest (Biology/Life Science, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Science, or Physics). For more information on the CSET exams visit their web site: