The three major steps to completing a Preliminary Teaching Credential through APU’s Division of Teacher Education (DTE) are described as follows. Credential candidates should refer to the DTE Teacher Candidate Handbook for further details.

• Step 1: Admission
• Step 2: Clinical Practice Clearance
• Step 3: Credential Application

Credential Requirements

All candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered for a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential or a Mild to Moderate Support Needs or Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Preliminary Credential:

1. Successful completion of all coursework (note: all candidates must earn a B- or better in all coursework. Candidates who earn below a B- must retake the course and meet with their academic advisor for a revised course sequence plan before progressing in the program. All admitted candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates who do not meet the above requirements will be reviewed for dismissal from the program).
2. Completion of each of the following program requirements:
   • U.S. Constitution requirement (course or exam)
   • Verification of the basic skills requirement
   • Verification of subject matter requirement (note: passing CSET examination or subtest scores must be used for certification purposes within 10 years of the individual test date)
   • Verification of tuberculosis clearance
   • Continuing verification from instructors of positive dispositions characteristic of the teaching profession (emotional stability, strong interpersonal relations, good mental and physical health, and other character standards listed on the application)
   • Receipt of favorable results of Certificate of Clearance (note: candidates must report any changes in character standings, including unresolved issues with the law and/or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), to their credential analyst; failure to do so may result in expulsion from the program)
3. Successful completion of fieldwork and clinical practice. Traditionally, clinical practice is met through student teaching with a cooperating teacher, but candidates who hold a contracted teaching position may request approval to complete clinical practice in their own classrooms.
4. Prior to applying for a preliminary credential, candidates must:
   • Verify successful completion of CPR for infants, children, and adults.
   • Verify successful completion of all assessments and forms required in the Division of Teacher Education’s assessment system (Watermark’s™ Student Learning & Licensure).
   • Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credential candidates must submit and pass Instructional Cycle 1 and Instructional Cycle 2 of the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) as required by CTC.
   • Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs Credential candidates must submit and pass Instructional Cycle 1 and Instructional Cycle 2 of the Education Specialist California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) as required by the CTC.
   • Multiple Subject and Special Education Credential candidates must show proof of passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) or the CTC-required literacy assessment.
   • All candidates must complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that is approved by the program director.

Contact a credential analyst for information on applying for a preliminary credential after the above requirements have been completed. Your credential analyst will provide information needed to complete your credential application. Preliminary credentials are valid for five years and are nonrenewable. A Clear Credential is obtained through a CTC-approved induction program with either a California local education agency (e.g., public school district, county office of education) or California institution of higher education.