Teaching Credentials

Specialist and Service Credentials

A credential is a license issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing of the state of California. Persons wishing to legally teach or perform certain other professional services in California's public schools must have registered their credentials with the proper authority (a county or district board of education). USC is one of several institutions authorized to recommend qualified persons to the commission for receipt of credentials.

There are three major categories of credentials: teaching, specialist and service.

Teaching Credentials

Multiple Subject Teaching (MST) authorizes the holder to teach many subjects within a self-contained classroom. This classroom situation is generally found in preschool and elementary grades.

Single Subject Teaching (SST) authorizes the holder to teach a specific academic area. This classroom situation is generally found in junior and senior high schools.

Multiple and Single Subject Teaching with a Crosscultural, Academic and Language Development Emphasis (CLAD) authorizes the holder with knowledge and experiences in teaching English as a second language to teach multiple (or single) subjects in a classroom composed of limited-English-speaking students.

Multiple and Single Subject Teaching with a Bilingual Emphasis in Spanish (BCLAD) authorizes the holder with bilingual capabilities to teach multiple (or single) subjects to a bilingual student population.

Specialist Credential

The Communication Handicapped (Deaf) credential authorizes the holder to teach hearing-impaired students, 0-22 years of age.

Service Credential

Administrative Services Credential authorizes the holder to serve as a superintendent, associate or assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor, consultant, coordinator, or in an equivalent or intermediate level administrative position. This is a two-step credential program.

Requirements for these credential programs are listed in the following sections. However, credential requirements may change due to state law. Students are advised to consult periodically with the Office of Student Services for current credential requirements.

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