The California Commission on Teaching Credentialing requires that applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools of California must verify basic skills and proficiency prior to the credential, certificate, or permit will be issued. For Preliminary Teaching Credential candidates, the basic skills requirement must be met prior to serving as an intern. TeachStart requires Scholar and Scholar+ fellows to obtain their 30-day permit by fulfilling the basic skills requirement by the start of their program. Individuals can fulfill the basic skills requirement via any of the following methods:

  1. Pass the CBEST
  2. Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
  3. Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
  4. Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
  5. College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
  6. Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
  7. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
  8. Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam

For more information about any of the eight options listed above, please visit the CTC website.