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College Graduate Changing Careers to Get Education Specialist Credential

If you are planning a career as a special education teacher and already have a bachelor's degree, you have a few options for meeting the requirements for an education specialist credential.
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Teacher Prep  
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 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.

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