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Students interested in teaching at the elementary school level should obtain a bachelor’s degree and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a “self-contained” classroom, meaning that one teacher teaches all subjects to the same students all day.

Credential Details

While the length of time for completion of a bachelor’s degree may vary from student to student, the degree is typically 120 semester units and takes approximately 4-5 years to complete when enrolling full-time. In addition, a teacher preparation program takes approximately 1 year to complete.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Subject Matter Competence: Can be met one of the following ways:

  • Complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline aligned with the credential. For Multiple Subject, Liberal Studies or Inter-/Multi-disciplinary Studies, with or without any focuses/concentrations in the title.
  • Pass all three subtests of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects to establish subject matter competency. The cost of the CSET varies and is $99 per subtest if taken separately or $247 for all subtests taken together. For more information, visit www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.
  • Complete an undergraduate subject matter preparation program (SMPP) focusing on Elementary Subject Matter and obtain verification of completion form. For more information and to search for a Commission-Approved Subject Matter Preparation Program, visit www.ctc.ca.gov.
  • Complete college-level coursework aligned with each domain of the subject matter requirements.
  • Combining coursework and exams including SMPP, CSET, and/or college-level coursework methods.

Subject Matter Competence: Can be met one of the following ways:

RICA: Pass the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA). The cost of the RICA is $171. For more information, visit www.ctcexams.nesinc.com.

Provisions and Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Complete a U.S. Constitution course (PS 1 at Irvine Valley College) with a “C” or better or by equivalent exam. 

Teacher Preparation Program: Complete a multiple subject teacher preparation program, including student teaching, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Upon completion, obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the program sponsor. For more information and to search for a Commission-Approved Educator Preparation Program, visit www.ctc.ca.gov. 

Character and Identification Clearance: Submit the appropriate paperwork along with fingerprints to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 

NOTE: As of June 2024, the Basic Skills Requirement for the Multiple Subject Credential will be met by completion of a bachelor’s degree.

As an elementary teacher, you will need to teach many subjects, namely Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts, Physical Education, and Child Development. There are many possible majors, but it is best to major in a subject that will encompass all these areas, such as Liberal Studies. However, other majors such as Child Development, Human Services, or Psychology are also excellent pathways for elementary teaching. See a counselor for help with major selection.

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