Basic Skills
You need to prove that you have basic reading, writing, and math skills. Some districts say you need a test called the CBEST, but that's just one of the options!
The state of California has some rules that ALL districts follow about how to 'prove' your basic skills proficiency. We recommend the following option: (click to expand it)
From your college course work
You need a B- or higher on all THREE of these courses:
Reading: Critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.
Writing: Composition, English, rhetoric, written communication, or writing.
Math: Any college-level math class (college algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics).
You'll need to upload your transcript AND Form CL-130.
The district uses Form CL-130 to help them find the courses on your transcript. For each category, you can put up to three options that YOU think meet the requirement. The district will look at them and make sure that at least one actually does. So even though there are three spaces, you only need one course in each category.
Other Methods for Documenting Basic Skills
If you have one of the following score reports easily available to you, the district might be able to process your application quicker. Click to get more details about each one.
Take the CBEST test
This is a test specifically designed for teachers that you can take online. Sign up here.
CSUN also offers CBEST prep classes. Info here.
SAT Score
Minimum score: 500+ Critical Reading / 550+ Math
You will need to send your official score report to the district.
Online: Sign in to your College Board Account
Phone: Call 866-756-7346
ACT Score
Verify an ACT English Score of 22 or higher and an ACT Math Score of 23 or higher
You'll need your official score report. Search for the ACT to log in and send it to the district directly.
AP Exams
3+ on Calculus or Stats
3+ on Literature or Composition
You'll need your official score report. Search for the AP to log in and send it to the district directly.
CSU Placement Exams
EAP
If you went to high school in California, you may have taken an exam called the CSU EAP (Early Assessment Program). The system for accessing your scores online does not appear to be working, so you'd have to have a copy of your paper score report that looks like this.
You need to score "Ready for CSU" on both reading and math
ELM / EPT
These are placement tests undergraduates sometimes take as freshmen in the CSU system or while at community college. Minimum scores: ELM: 50+, EPT: 151+. You might be able to find your score on your Degree Progress Report for the CSU.