The Multiple Subject Credential authorizes teaching in a self-contained classroom for grades K-12 and below in California public schools. In practice, this is generally the credential earned by those who wish to teach in elementary education, K-6. Credential completers are eligible to apply for a preliminary credential from the state, which then must be "cleared" within (5) years of issuance.

Requirements for the Credential:

• Required Tests/Assessments. Multiple Subject credentials require a passing score on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment Test (RICA). Credential candidates must also establish subject matter competence by passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), demonstrating competency in the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs), and passing the PACT.
• State of California Clearance Requirement . It is a requirement by state law that every participant in a basic credential program undergoes a moral fitness/fingerprint clearance check by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Before being officially admitted to the Multiple Subject credential preparation program, you must have applied for and paid for a Certificate of Clearance to be issued by the CTC. This is a 2-step process: 1) Complete the CTC-specific form 41-LS and take it to a LiveScan station for your fingerprints to be taken, and 2) Apply for the Certificate of Clearance using the Web Application Process at the CTC website. Once you have answered the fitness questions and paid the fee online you will receive an email from the CTC verifying that your application is in process. Send this email to the Multiple Subject Program Assistant to verify you have fulfilled the CTC Clearance admissions requirement. If you do not answer yes to one of the fitness questions, the document is usually issued in 1-3 days after payment. If a yes answer is supplied, clearance can take up to 6 months or more. The document must be issued prior to the start of any student teaching.

• Detailed information on state and college requirements for the credential can be obtained from the Multiple/Single Subject Credential Handbook.
• Detailed information on state and college requirements for an internship credential can be obtained from the Internship Manual for the Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist and School Psychology Programs.