Subject Matter Authorizations

Holders of a Single Subject or Multiple Subject credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing may secure an Introductory Subject Matter Authorization that allows the holder to teach the subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks approved for study in grades 9 and below. This allows an employer to assign a teacher with an Introductory Subject Matter Authorization to teach a class in which the curriculum is for grades 9 and below but the students in the class may be in grades K-12.

To qualify, individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Possess a valid prerequisite teaching credential
2. Complete one of the following:
   • 32-semester units of non-remedial course work in the subject, including a minimum of three semester units of course work in each content area. The balance of the units may be in any course within the subject category. (Exception: the subject of Science requires at least six semester units in each of the four science content areas [biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and physics]). (See CCTC website www.ctc.ca.gov/ (https:// www.ctc.ca.gov/) for a list of subjects and content areas within subjects.);
   • a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in a subject directly related to the subject to be listed on the credential.

Holders of a Single Subject or Multiple Subject credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing may secure a Specific Subject Matter Authorization that allows the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, kindergarten-12, and classes organized primarily for adults.

To qualify, individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Possess a valid prerequisite teaching credential
2. Complete one of the following:
   • 32-semester units of non-remedial coursework (Exception: the subject of History requires a minimum of 16-semester units in both worlds history and U.S. history.) See CCTC website www.ctc.ca.gov/ (https://www.ctc.ca.gov/) for a list of subjects.);
   • a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in a subject directly related to the subject to be listed on the credential.

Course Work Requirements for Subject Matter Authorizations

Acceptable course work must be:

1. Completed with a grade of "C" or better ("credit", "passing", or "satisfactory" grades are acceptable).
2. Applicable toward a bachelor's degree or a higher degree(elective or non-elective, non-remedial).
3. Taken at a regionally accredited institution.
4. Granted regular semester or quarter-hour credit.
5. Taken from the subject department of the subject matter authorization being sought.

The following coursework may be used as long as it meets the criteria listed above:

1. Community college, correspondence, online, or extension course work.
2. Advanced placement unit (requires an official transcript of the course and written verification from the college or university admission or registrar's office that the units were used towards a bachelor's degree and are in the subject category of the requested subject matter authorization).

Unacceptable course work includes:

1. Course work that is not applicable toward a bachelor's degree or higher degree.
2. Professional development or continuing education units.
3. In-service training or workshop.
4. Education and education methodology course work unless a letter is provided by the chair of the subject area department stating that the course is equivalent to one offered by that department.
5. Course work from a department other than the subject matter authorization is being sought unless a letter is provided from the chair of the subject area department stating that the course is equivalent to one offered by that department.

Subject Matter Authorization Programs include: