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College Student Planning a Special Education Teaching Career

If you are planning a career as a special education teacher, there are some important things you should be doing right now.
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4-Year College Teacher Prep  
Unchecked check box   Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Unchecked check box Unchecked check box Meet the basic skills requirement.
  Unchecked check box Complete a Commission-approved [Education Specialist Credential Program](http://www.ctc.ca.gov/reports/data/app-edu-prep-prog.html) in an education specialist category resulting in formal recommendation by the Commission-approved program sponsor.
  Unchecked check box Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
Unchecked check box Unchecked check box Complete a course or pass an examination on the U.S. Constitution.
  Unchecked check box Satisfy one of the following requirements for subject-matter competence: Provide verification of subject-matter competence by either passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). **OR** Complete a Commission-approved single subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain certification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program in the subject area.
    Note: Verification of RICA and subject-matter competence are not required for the area of Early Childhood Special Education, nor is it required of individuals who hold a valid California Clear, Life or Clear teaching credential based upon possession of a bachelor's degree and completion of a professional preparation program, including student teaching.

Browse the Special Education Credential Requirements for details and resources.
As a community college student, the following paraeducators' questions and answers about becoming credentialed special education teachers may be helpful:

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