THE CALIFORNIA BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENT

California Education Code Sections 44252 and 44252.6 specify that candidates must demonstrate, in English, proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills.

Several legislative changes to California Education Code allow teacher candidates to demonstrate proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills through several options, including passage of the CBEST. For additional information about other options, see "Program Overview" or visit the CTC's website at www.ctc.ca.gov.

Who Must Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement?

In California, you must demonstrate proficiency in basic skills if any one of the following conditions applies to you:

• You are applying for a first teaching credential or services credential. (Candidates obtaining an Exchange Credential, Sojourn Credential, or a services credential based upon completion of a preparation program outside of California may obtain an initial credential without satisfying the basic skills requirement at the request of a California employing agency. During the first year of validity of the credential, however, the individual must satisfy the basic skills requirement. For candidates obtaining an initial credential based upon completion of a preparation program outside of California and who need to complete this requirement, the basic skills requirement must be satisfied within one year of the issuance date for public employment purposes and must also be satisfied for credentialing purposes.)
• You are applying for the issuance or renewal of an Emergency Permit, such as a 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit (other than vocational), Provisional Internship Permit, or Short-Term Staff Permit, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required.
• You are seeking employment in California. Satisfying the basic skills requirement may also be required under Education Code Section 44830 as a condition of employment. If you are uncertain about whether you must satisfy the basic skills requirement, you should contact the school district or other California agency where you are considering employment.
• You are applying for admission to a CTC-accredited teacher preparation program, unless you already hold a valid California teaching credential for which a baccalaureate degree is required.
• You are applying for admission to a CTC-accredited services credential program.

You may take the CBEST only if you have earned, at minimum, a high school diploma, a GED, or the equivalent or if you are, or have been, a student taking courses for college credit pursuant to a career in education. If you are uncertain about your eligibility to test, please contact the CTC for approval to test.

Who Is Exempt from the Basic Skills Requirement?

In California, you are exempt from satisfying the basic skills requirement if you are applying for one of the following credentials, certificates, or permits:

• A renewal, reissuance, or upgrading of an existing nonemergency credential, certificate, or permit unless it is specifically indicated as a renewal requirement on the document
• A credential to teach adults in an apprenticeship program
• A permit to teach in a children's center
• A credential to teach a designated subject that does not require a baccalaureate degree, including the 30-Day Substitute Designated Subjects Vocational Education Permit
• A credential to provide health services, unless the document also authorizes teaching
• A credential to teach an American Indian language only
• Any added authorization to a teaching credential (This exemption does not apply to individuals who hold a credential to teach that did not require a baccalaureate degree and for whom the teaching authorization sought requires this degree.)
• For prelingually deaf individuals only, all certifications that have the basic skills requirement and restrict service to state special schools or in special classes for pupils who are deaf or hearing impaired. Holders of these credentials will be required to complete a job-related assessment in lieu of the basic skills requirement.
• A Certificate of Clearance (required for practice teaching)
• An Eminence Credential

Top of Page