The teacher with a Multiple Subject Credential is authorized to teach many subjects (e.g. Math, Science, Mandarin)  to one fixed group of students who stay in the same classroom throughout the day (otherwise known as ‘self-contained’ classroom), most often found in elementary school settings. Individuals with this credential are usually employed in elementary schools, but may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, K-12, adults).

A Single Subject Credential enables an individual to teach a specific academic subject (e.g. Mandarin, Science, Math, Art) most often in departmentalized classes such as typically found in most middle and high schools. In secondary schools students change classrooms and teachers as they change periods and subject matter - this is what is meant by the term 'departmentalized’ classroom. While most holders of this credential are usually employed in middle and high schools, you may be assigned to teach the subject(s) at any grade level (preschool, grades K-12, or adults).