- Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university. (Foreign degrees must be evaluated by an approved independent agency. Click here for further information)
- Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), assessing basic knowledge of reading, math and English writing proficiency. Click here for additional information on the exam as well as schools in the area offering CBEST workshops.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution by completing an approved college-level course or by passing an exam given by a regionally-accredited college or university. Click here to find out more about resources in the area.
- Verify subject matter competency by either passing the appropriate subject matter examination(s) CSET - California Subject Examination for Teachers (i.e. CSET Mandarin) or by completing a Commission-approved subject-matter program in California (no approved programs in Mandarin to date). The CSET for foreign language teaching has three subtests: general linguistics and linguistics; literary and cultural texts and traditions; and language (listening, speaking, writing).Click here for further information on the test as well as schools in the area offering CSEST workshops. For test dates, please click here.
- Complete a university teacher preparation program (either single subject preparation program or multiple subject preparation program), including successful student teaching. Click here for a list of Commission-approved teacher preparation programs in southern CA. Freeman Foundation Chinese Teacher Scholarships are available for those who wish to become certified Chinese language teachers in California secondary schools. Officially accepted students in the Single Subject Credential Program (in Mandarin Chinese) at Cal State Long Beach are eligible to apply. Please click here for further information and to download an application form. Contact Dr. Tim Xie with questions at 562-985-5278 or txie@csulb.edu.
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), a test assessing knowledge and skills to teach Reading to K-8 students (for Multiple Subject candidates only).