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Do I need to pass the CBEST before I apply to the credential program?

If I'm interested in the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Credential, are there other tests I need to take?

How long is the credential program?

Do I need to get a CLAD/CTEL certificate?

What do I need to do once I've been admitted to the Level I Program?

Can I begin taking classes before I'm officially admitted?

 

To which Level I Special Education Credential Program should I apply?

You should determine the age group and specialization area in which you are interested. The Department of Special Education at CSU, Northridge offers four Education Specialist credentials: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities. Click here for more information on the specialization areas.

What options do I have for getting a credential?

There are four pathways for obtaining a credential in special education.

1. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)
2. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program
3. Traditional- Students attend full or part time and take courses when it best suits their needs. They can begin in either Fall or Spring semester. At the end of the traditional program, students complete a one semester full-time student teaching experience in the classroom of a Special Education Master Teacher.
4. Special Education University Internship

How do I apply to a credential program in Special Education?

First, you need to be admitted to California State University, Northridge. If you are not already a student at the University, then consult the directions on the Admissions and Records website. (Click here for a direct link to the application website). Second, obtain a credential program application packet for your area of specialization from the Credential Office. You need to identify the specialization area in which you want to get a credential. Check with the Credential Office for specific due dates for the application. The credential office may request attendance at a formal orientation meeting at the Credential Office at which time you will be provided with more information on application and interview procedures. Applicants to the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) credential program must schedule an interview with a faculty member before submitting the credential application.

Do I need to pass the CBEST before I apply to the credential program?

If you do not already have a valid teaching credential, you must submit proof that you have taken the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Prelingually deaf students should inquire at the Credential Preparation Office about waiver of CBEST.

If I'm interested in the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Credential, are there other tests I need to take?

There are no other admission tests required for the ECSE Program. If you do not have an undergraduate major in Child Development, then you will need 12 units of early childhood or child development coursework which must be approved by an ECSE faculty advisor.

What tests do I need to take prior to being admitted?

Subject Matter: Applicants to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Mild/Moderate (MM) or Moderate/Severe Disabilities (MS) credential areas must verify subject matter knowledge either by completing an approved subject matter program or by examination. The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) for elementary teachers or the CSET in a subject area will fulfill this requirement. In some cases, an approved subject matter program in your field will be accepted. As of July 1, 2004 , the CSET must be taken prior to admittance into the credential program.

Basic Skills: If you do not already have a valid teaching credential, you must submit proof that you have taken the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or show proof of application for a test that will be administered prior to your admittance to the program. Prelingually deaf students should inquire at the Credential Preparation Office about waiver of CBEST.

How long is the credential program?

Because there are several programs and pathways within Special Education, there is no easy answer to that question. The overviews and courses of study for each program give you an idea of the coursework involved in each program. For more specific information, you should speak with an advisor in Special Education. To make an appointment with an advisor, please call the Special Education Department Office: 818-677-2596 v/tty.

Do I need to get a CLAD/CTEL certificate?

Students entering the program now receive an EL Authorization as part of their Education Specialist Credential. A separate CLAD/CTEL certificate is no longer required.

What do I need to do once I've been admitted to the Level I Program?

After you've been admitted, please make an appointment with a faculty advisor IMMEDIATELY! Our programs can be complicated. Regular advisement will help you avoid taking classes you don't need. To make an appointment with a faculty advisor, please call the Special Education Department Office: 818-677-2596 v/tty.

Can I begin taking classes before I'm officially admitted?

It depends. Please ask the Credential Office advisors to speak with you about your particular situation.

For more information about Level I teaching credential programs, contact:

Sally Spencer , Teacher Education Coordinator
(818) 677-2596
email: sspencer@csun.edu

Level II Credential Programs

How do I apply to the Level II Program?

How long is the Level II program?

Do I need to have a job to be in the Level II program?

Can I get a Masters Degree at the same time as a Level II?

How many years do I have to get my Level II Credential?

What do I need to do once I've been admitted to the Level II Program?

How do I apply to the Level II Program?

First, you need to be admitted to California State University, Northridge. If you are not already a student at the University, then consult the directions on the Admissions and Records website. (Click here for a direct link to the application website). Second, obtain a Level II credential program application packet for your area of specialization from the Credential Office. Check with the Credential Office for specific due dates for the application.

How long is the Level II program?

The Level II Program is designed to be an induction program for new teachers. Therefore they are typically 2 years in duration. However, meet with a Special Education Advisor to plan your specific Level II Program. To make an appointment with a faculty advisor, please call the Special Education Department Office: 818-677-2596 v/tty.

Do I need to have a job to be in the Level II program?

Yes. You need to be currently employed as a teacher in the specialization area in which you have your Level I credential.

Can I get a Masters Degree at the same time as a Level II?

Yes. Please see a Special Education Advisor discuss this option. To make an appointment with a faculty advisor, please call the Special Education Department Office: 818-677-2596 v/tty.

How many years do I have to get my Level II Credential?

The State of California requires teachers to obtain a Level II Credential within 5 years of obtaining their Level I Credential.

What do I need to do once I've been admitted to the Level II Program?

After you've been admitted, please make an appointment with a faculty advisor. To make an appointment with a faculty advisor, please call the Special Education Department Office: 818-677-2596 v/tty. (Mild/Moderate students please note: There are two different strands for the M/M Level II program. Getting advisement will help you avoid taking classes you don't need.)

For more information about Level II professional clear credentials, contact:

Virginia Kennedy, Level II Coordinator
(818) 677-2532
email: virginia.kennedy@csun.edu