Become a High School Science Teacher

The Requirements for a Teaching Credential

To teach science in middle or high school in California, you must have the Single Subject Teaching Credential. This credential authorizes public school teaching in a specific science (physics, chemistry, geosciences, or biology) in a departmentalized classroom such as those in many middle schools or nearly all high schools. The steps toward earning your preliminary credential at CSU Chico are:
  1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree or higher in your preferred science.
    While earning your degree be sure to complete as many Block1 and Floater courses as possible to prepare for the credential program.

  2. Pass the CBEST Basic Skills Exam.

  3. Demonstrate subject matter competency by either:
    • completion of a CCTC approved single subject degree progam (physics or chemistry) or
    • passing the CSET exam (geosciences or biology). WE MAY BE ABLE PAY YOUR TEST FEES!

  4. Complete the Single Subject Credential Program.
This process is complex and the need to work closely with your academic advisor is critical. Along the way, don't forget to take advantage of all the scholarship opportunities for future science teachers. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.

The above description has been extracted and simplified from the complete list requirements contained at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.