This section will provide you with information about obtaining your designated subjects vocational education full-time or part-time Teaching Credential.
You can obtain your vocational education credential through the Designated Subjects Credential Office in the Department of Occupational Studies at California State University, Long Beach. You may also enroll in courses through the Department, which will help you obtain your Designated Subjects Credential. In addition, some of the courses you take for your Designated Subjects Credential may also be applied toward coursework for a Bachelor of Science Degree or a Master of Arts Degree in Occupational Studies.
These credentials will authorize you to teach the subjects named on the credential in courses organized primarily for adults. Click on the type of credential below that you wish to obtain:
Once your application materials have been reviewed, you will be given a five-year Preliminary credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). You will need to complete coursework or other requirements to "clear" your credential. You may enroll in courses through the Department of Occupational Studies and other programs at Cal State University to meet these requirements. Read the Requirements to Clear Your Designated Subjects Credential for Vocational Education for more information.
Apply Now for Your Vocational Education Designated Subjects Credential
Complete the following steps to apply for your vocational education designated subjects credential
Call the agency to make an appointment. Most agencies charge between $60-$80 for live Scan services, which includes fees charged by the California Department of Justice ($24) and the FBI ($32). The difference in fees will vary depending upon the agency's rolling fee. The Live-Scan operator must collect these fees.
Make sure that the form is completed properly. You will need to include the following information on the form:
Note that Livescan fingerprints are not needed if you have another California Credential (other than the Community College). Please submit a copy of the existing credential along with your application.
Obtain official copies of your transcripts, high school diploma, or GED certificate. Include these official documents in your application for the Designated Subjects Credential. For the academic adult credential, you must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. For the vocational education credential you must possess an a high school diploma or GED certificate. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved organizations only. Call the Designated Subjects Credential Office at (562) 985-5631 for information about foreign transcripts.
If you wish to obtain the academic adult education credential, you must take and pass the California Basic Skills Test (CBEST). Include verification that you have passed this test with your application materials. If you wish to obtain the non-academic adult credential, you need not take the CBEST.
If you wish to obtain the non-academic adult education credential, submit work experience verification letter(s). Download the Work Experience Verification Letters Instruction Sheet and Sample Letters for more information. For the non-academic adult education credential, you are required to provide verification of five years of experience or its equivalent related to each subject to be named on the credential. Verification of experience means written confirmation of the applicant's qualifying experience, signed by the applicant's past or present employer(s) on company letterhead that attests to and includes all of the following:
Designated Subjects Credential Office
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
ET Building, Room 223
Long Beach, CA 90840-5601
You can obtain your adult education credential through the Designated Subjects Credential Office in the Department of Occupational Studies at California State University, Long Beach. You may also enroll in courses through the department, which will apply toward clearing your Designated Subjects Credential. In addition, some of the courses you take for your Designated Subjects Credential may also be applied toward obtaining a Master of Arts Degree in Occupational Studies.
For more information, contact the Designated Subjects Credential Office at (562) 985-5631