Skip to main content

Basic Skills Requirement

The Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) may be satisfied by one of the following methods listed below. All options listed below require original score reports to be submitted to the School of Education.

Options

  1. Pass the CBEST

    The CBEST exam includes three sections — reading, writing and mathematics. Learn more about the exam by exploring the Commission on Teacher Credentialing site explaining the CBEST.

  2. Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects plus Writing Skills

    This option would typically be for those earning a preliminary multiple subject or special education credential. When using CSET: Writing Skills to satisfy the basic skills requirement, you must also pass all three subtests of CSET: Multiple Subjects. You may not combine CSET: Writing Skills with the Reading and Mathematics sections of the CBEST to satisfy the basic skills requirement.

  3. Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT

    Examination Math English
    College Board SAT 550 500
    NOTE: Critical Reading Section of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
    ACT 23 22

  4. Qualifying score on College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Math and English examinations

    Examination Math English
    College Board Advanced Placement Examinations Score of 3 or above on one of the following:
    • AP Calculus AB
    • AP Calculus BC
    • AP Statistics
    		 Score of 3 or above on one of the following:
    • AP English Language and Composition
    • AP English Literature and Composition

  5. Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State

    The Commission on Teacher Credentialing will accept basic skills examinations from other states. An original score report or letter from the testing agency verifying passage of the examination must be submitted with the application packet. There is no recency requirement for the date the examination was passed. For more information, please see the Commission on Teacher Credentialing CL-677 leaflet.