Complete the online California State University application at Cal State Apply. There will be a $70.00 fee for this application. Please review the application guide for credential candidates. If currently enrolled as a CSUN graduate student or if applying under the ITEP option, the University application is not required.
Step Three: Credential Program Application
All candidates must submit a separate online program application to the Credential Office. There is a nonrefundable $50.00 fee for this application. (An additional $1.38, nonrefundable service fee will be assessed at checkout.) You will find a link to the program application at the end of these instructions. Start early and be prepared to scan and upload documents. The items listed below are required. For detailed information, simply click the name of the item.
If currently a CSUN student or a CSUN graduate, transcripts do not need to be submitted unless you have completed post baccalaureate coursework at another institution.
A cumulative GPA of 2.67 or a 2.75 in your last 60 units is required for admission.
If you are applying as a graduate student and in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree at a school other than CSUN you will need to submit a letter from the Registrar’s Office from the degree-granting institution stating you have completed all requirements for the degree and a date by when the degree will confer. An official transcript with your bachelor’s degree posted will need to be submitted. Your bachelor's degree must have been awarded by a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Foreign transcripts (if applicable) - Applicants with international transcripts must provide a copy of an official evaluation of that coursework by an approved agency, for a list of approved agencies visit http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl635.pdf
Send the official transcripts required for your desired program
Electronic transcripts:
In your previous school’s transcript ordering system, choose "CSU Northridge" as the recipient. If this option is not available, use
as the recipient email address.
If submitting California community college transcripts, please review eTranscript California and use this convenient system.
Please do not send identical, duplicate electronic and paper transcripts!
Paper transcripts:
If your previous school(s) do not supply electronic transcripts, order two identical, official paper copies of those transcripts and have them sent to your mailing address.
Once you receive the two transcript sets, do not open them. Forward each set to us in sealed envelopes—one set to the Credential Office and the other to Admissions and Records at the following addresses:
CSUN - Admissions and Records 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8207
AND
CSUN - Credential Office 18111 Nordhoff Street Northridge, CA 91330-8265
In a credential program, you learn how to teach effectively. You must come to the program with verified knowledge of the subject matter you will be teaching. Subject matter competence can be verified in one of two ways:
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects Exam
Detailed information regarding the CSET can be found at, http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com. Here you will find information regarding how to register for the test. Information regarding the tests format, content, practice questions and a full practice test are also provided.
It is important to note that CSET scores have a validity period of ten years. If you do not qualify and apply for your credential within that time frame, you will need to retake the exam.
Please have the test scores sent directly to CSUN from the testing agency. If scores were not sent to CSUN, you will be required to submit a copy with your application.
or
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) approved Elementary Subject Matter Program
A Subject Matter Program is an organized course of undergraduate study which meets the Commission on Teacher Credentialing standards for subject matter preparation.
The document you provide to verify completion must be signed by an authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program.
Important: For those applying under the ITEP pathway option, subject matter competence must be met prior to student teaching; it is not a program admission requirement.
For detailed information about these options, click here.
Different credentials authorize teaching in a variety of different subjects. No matter what specific subject an individual may be teaching, California requires a verified basic level of skill in reading, writing and mathematics. These basic skills can be verified through one of the following options:
Passage of California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
Passage of CSET: Multiple Subjects and CSET Writing Skills
EAP/ELM/EPT (see CTC leaflet for passing score requirement)
SAT or ACT (see CTC leaflet for passing score requirement)
College Board Advance Placement (AP) Exam (see CTC leaflet for passing score requirement)
CTC approved Out-of-State Basic Skills Exams
Coursework in reading, writing, and mathematics (see CTC leaflet for additional information regarding this option)
Combination of coursework and CBEST exam (see CTC leaflet for additional information regarding this option)
When verifying basic skills through CSET or CBEST, please have the scores sent directly to CSUN from the testing agency. If the scores are not sent to CSUN, you will need to submit a copy with your application. Information regarding these tests can be found at, www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/.
Important: For those applying under the ITEP pathway option, basic skills testing must have been attempted prior to program admission; the requirement must be met prior to student teaching.
Classroom observation and student teaching are a large part of the credential program. In order to be placed in a classroom setting, you must first obtain fingerprint clearance. Applicants must possess a valid Certificate of Clearance or other CTC issued document. Details as to how to apply for the Certificate of Clearance are provided on our website at,
Important: You must upload the email you will receive from CTC verifying you have submitted a certificate of clearance application. This email only serves as verification that you have applied for the clearance not that it has been granted.
It is important to note that the Certificate of Clearance has a validity period of five years. You must maintain valid fingerprint clearance throughout your time in the credential program.
Some candidates may already hold a valid document through the CTC, for example; a substitute teaching permit, activities supervisor’s certificate, etc. In this case, that document would meet the fingerprint clearance requirement.
Applicants must provide verification of freedom from active tuberculosis. The TB test report or a letter from a physician regarding a chest x-ray, must have been administered within the last two years and clearly indicate a negative result. This test may be completed at any health facility. If the applicant is a current CSUN student, they may contact the CSUN Student Health Center for a tuberculosis test. The telephone number is (818) 677-3666.
Due to the pandemic situation, this requirement is currently waived.
Applicants must have participated in an early field experience working with a group of school age children in the general population they will be teaching once they receive their credential. This experience must have taken place within the last five years and must consist of at least forty-five hours of paid or volunteer experience.
Examples of acceptable early field experience include: teacher aid, teacher assistant, substitute teacher, camp counselor, coach, Boy Scout volunteer, Girl Scout volunteer, YMCA volunteer…
Applicants must write a one to two page typed essay addressing the following questions:
Why do you wish to become a teacher?
What will you contribute to the profession?
What do you plan to achieve as a teacher?
Applicants must provide two professional recommendations using the specific form found on our website. Recommendations must be completed by a faculty member, employer, or someone that is knowledgeable regarding the applicant’s personal qualities and ability to work with children. Recommendations from family members and friends are not acceptable.
Instructions: Recommendation forms must be uploaded with your application. Once the recommender has completed the recommendation form they will need to email it back to you. If the recommender prefers they can send it directly to the credential office at credprep@csun.edu
Please read the following responsibilities carefully before starting the online program application. You will be required to acknowledge you have read and understand these responsibilities as part of your online program application.
Application Materials
I understand that I am responsible for making photocopies of all materials I submit to the Credential Office. I realize that the items I submit will not be returned to me.
Official Communication
I understand that my CSUN student email account serves as my official email account for the university and it will be used for all official communication. I understand it is my responsibility to monitor this account.
Program Planning
I understand that coursework has a seven year validity period and that I must complete my program in a timely manner or risk needing to repeat coursework. I also acknowledge that, due to state changes, requirements may be added to my credential program.
Deadlines
I understand that I must submit all required applications and forms compete and on time. I realize that failure to meet a deadline may result in forfeiture of my opportunity for that semester.
Academic Standards
I understand that I must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 after admission to the credential program and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in professional education coursework. A grade of “C-“ or lower is not acceptable. With the exception of specific student teaching courses, which are offered only in this manner, coursework may not be taken on a CR/NC basis.
CSET Scores
I understand that each CSET subtest has a validity period of ten years. If I do not complete my program and apply for my credential within this time frame, I will need to retake any subtest which has exceeded the validity period.
Student Teaching
I understand that I must apply and be cleared for student teaching and that it is my responsibility to read the information regarding deadlines and eligibility requirements for student teaching. Review student teaching information here. (A detailed list of student teaching eligibility requirements can be found on the Credential Office website under “Program Orientation.”) I realize that I must obtain the equivalent of a grade of “B” or higher in order to receive credit for having passed student teaching. I am aware that there are geographic limitations on where CSUN will provide student teaching supervision.
Please note: CPR certification is required for second/final student teaching assignment
Previous Credential Program
I understand that if I was previously enrolled in a credential program at a different institution I must submit a Letter of Good Standing from that institution.
I understand that as an ITEP student I will need to pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects exam prior to enrolling in student teaching.
I understand that as an FYI/JYI student I will need to verify completion of 80% of the subject matter program prior to enrolling in student teaching. I will need to verify completion of 100% of the subject matter program prior to credential recommendation.
I understand that as an ITEP/FYI/JYI student I must meet the basic skills requirement prior to enrolling in student teaching.
Course Substitutions
I understand that after application all coursework must be completed at CSUN. Professional education coursework taken at an institution other than CSUN, prior to application to our program, will be evaluated for equivalency at the time of admission.
Credential Request (The Credential Request initiates the application for your credential document.)
I understand that it is my responsibility to submit a Credential Request form, and any necessary supporting documentation, at the beginning of my last semester of coursework in the credential program. I am aware that this form may not be submitted unless CSUN coursework in progress that semester is all I have left to complete. In addition I understand that there are other requirements I must complete prior to being recommended
Additional Requirement – A letter of Good Standing from the Dean or Program Director of your previous program is required if you were enrolled in a credential program at any other institution(s) or school district(s) but did not complete their program.
Petition for Exceptional Admission Form (Fall admission only) – Those applying under the Exceptional Admission Option must attach this form to their Credential Program Application. Click here for the required form.
Reapplication Process – If you have been previously admitted or denied admission to the CSUN Credential Program, please click here for special instructions.
Step Four: Program Interview
All program applicants are required to participate in an interview with a College of Education faculty member. You will be notified to schedule this interview after your application has been reviewed.
IMPORTANT! Before beginning the online application, make sure you are not logged into the CSUN portal. All required documents must be uploaded with your online application do not mail or fax any documents. The only item that should be mailed are transcripts, if applicable.
