The teacher preparation programs at Dominican University are approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to prepare candidates for teaching responsibilities in general and special education classrooms in elementary, middle, and high schools. Candidates participate in a program that combines academic preparation (coursework) with extensive experience in schools (fieldwork).  

Preliminary Credential Requirements

The Preliminary Credential Requirements listed below are met in stages throughout the program:

1. Bachelor's Degree

2. Certificate of Clearance

3. Child and Adolescent Development

4. Subject Matter Competency: 

   1. • SMC must be demonstrated either through academic coursework or through examination. 

      • Please see Dominican's Test Preparation Study Guide for CSET resources.  

      • Graduate candidates without a Subject Matter Waiver are required to pass all sections of the CSET by DECEMBER 1 to student teach in the spring semester. Candidates should request that their scores be released directly to Dominican.  

      • All test scores must be verified through http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/ by the Department

5. US Constitution:  The US Constitution requirement can be met through coursework or the U.S. Constitution exam.  Both Notre Dame University and UCLA Extension offer the U.S. Constitution Exam online.

6. CPR:  Must cover infant, child and adult.  Only courses through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross will be accepted.  

7. California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA): See Chapter 6 in this Handbook for specific details and resources.

8. Individual Development Plan (Completed in EDU 5185, EDU 5285 or EDU 5385)

Preliminary Credential Recommendation

After successfully completing all credential requirements—including Supervised Teaching, TPAs, and all coursework—the following steps occur:

1. Credential Submission:
   The Credential Analyst submits your Preliminary Credential recommendation online to the CTC.

2. Candidate Action Required:
   You will receive an email from the CTC with time-sensitive instructions to:

   • Complete the Professional Fitness Questions

   • Pay the required credentialing fee via credit card

3. Important: If you do not complete this step within 90 days, the recommendation will be purged from the CTC system, and Dominican will need to re-initiate the process.

4. Credential Availability:
   Approximately 10 business days after completing the online steps and fee payment, your credential will be available to employers via the CTC’s online system.
   
   The CTC no longer prints or mails credential documents. Credentials, certificates, and permits are accessible online only and can be viewed by employers, institutions, and the document holder at: www.ctc.ca.gov.

Guidelines on How to Add a Second Credential

• • Document on how to add additional credentials