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 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:

• Adult Full-Time Designated Subjects Credential
• Adult Part-Time Designated Subjects Credential

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 Adult Education for more information. 

1. Download and use the CSULB Designated Subjects Credential Office Application Packet Checklist. This checklist will help you to complete all of the following steps properly. 
2. Download and complete the CSULB Designated Subjects Credential Office Information Sheet. 
3. Download and complete California Form 41-4, Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service. Follow the instructions on the application. Complete items #1, #3, and #4. Skip Item #2. If you answer "YES" to any question in Section #4, you must submit a full explanation using a separate sheet of paper. Sign your name in the "Oath of Affidavit" section.
4. Download and complete California Form 41-CIC, Application for Character and Identification Clearance Instructions and Information. Follow the instructions on the application and complete pages 1 and 2. Complete page 4 only if you possess a credential to teach in another state. Use page 6 to elaborate on any criminal convictions or pending criminal charges. 
5. Include the completed "Live Scan" Fingerprinting Form 41-LS. You must be fingerprinted to receive your teaching credential. If you have received fingerprint clearance through a public school district, other California agency, or in other states, then you are not exempt from this requirement. To be fingerprinted, use the "Live Scan" process as explained below:
   
   • Obtain and Complete Form 41-LS, Request for Live-Scan Service (Fingerprinting) by calling the Cal State Long Beach Designated Subjects Credential Office at (562) 985-4698. Ask for Form 41-LS, Request for Live-Scan Service. Or, you may call the Commission directly at (916) 445-7254 or (888) 921-2682 (toll-free) to request that the form be mailed to you. 
   • Find a Live Scan service near you. Visit the Fingerprint Submissions site for a list of agencies throughout California that offer Live-Scan services. 
   • 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:
     
     • ORI - A0281
     • Type of Application - License, Certification, Permit
     • Job Title - Applicant for Teacher Credential
     • Agency Authorized to Receive Criminal History Information - California Commission on Teaching Credentialing, Box 944270 (1900 Capitol Avenue), Sacramento, CA 94244-2700
     • Mail Code (five-digit code assigned by DOJ) - 03294
     • Contact Telephone Number (916) 445-7254
       
   • 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. 
     
6. Obtain official copies of your transcripts. Include these official transcripts 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 non-academic adult credential you must possess an Associate of Arts or higher from an accredited institution, or coursework applicable to the subject area. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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:
   
   • Employer's name, address, and telephone number
   • The working relationship of the person signing the verification to the applicant
   • Beginning and ending dates of employment
   • Complete description of duties
   • A statement as to whether or not the employment was full-time (If employment was less than full-time, include an accounting of the number of hours the applicant was employed.)
     
   If you were self-employed or if your experience was avocational, verification shall include a statement, signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury, detailing the information described in 1-5 above. Further substantiation is required in writing, by other person(s) having first-hand knowledge of the applicant's self-employment or avocation, such as the applicant's accountant, major supplier of goods, or major user of goods or services.
9. If you wish to obtain the full-time adult education credential, you must submit official transcripts that include verification for the U.S. Constitution requirement or verification that you passed the U.S. Constitution exam. Include this verification in your application for the Designated Subjects Credential. See handout for more information.
10. Mail all of your completed, applicable application paperwork identified above together in one packet to the following address. Do not send incomplete packets. Incomplete packets will be returned. Mail to:

    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.