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How do I meet the Subject Matter Competency Requirement (SMCR) for the Intern Teacher Credential Program, offered through Alternatives in Action (AIA)?

Admission Checklist and Program Requirements: Steps to Join the Intern Teacher Credential Program, offered through Alternatives in Action (AIA).

Subject Matter Competency Requirement (SMCR):

What is SMCR Graphic (1)

Applicants are required to show sufficient knowledge of the subject(s) they will be teaching. Additionally, the subject(s) must correspond with both the teaching position specified in the employment offer letter and the credential they are pursuing. 

If you need assistance determining how you may be able to best meet SMCR for your chosen credential area, you can use this Subject Matter Competency Requirement (SMCR) Questionnaire tool. It will help you better understand where you may be in your journey towards completing SMCR for your chosen credential area.

Competence of meeting SMCR for your chosen credential area may be demonstrated in the following ways:

  1. Major: Complete a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in the subject area being sought. Please see the acceptable majors for Single Subject (SS) and Multiple Subject (MS) Credential. If pursuing this option, you must provide us an official copy of your college transcript(s) to help us determine your SMCR status. 
  2.  CSET exams: Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s). While registering, use test code 790 to have your results sent directly to the Reach Institute for School Leadership. If results are not sent directly, please submit a copy of your official score report with your online application. Proof of passing all relevant subtests is required. Results are valid for 10 years and must be valid at the time the credential recommendation is submitted by the program sponsor. 
  3. Coursework: Successful completion of relevant coursework must be verified by a Commission-approved professional preparation program. Coursework must be from a regionally accredited institution and cover all subject matter domains required by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC). If pursuing this option, submit your official transcript to Reach Admissions for initial review. For more details, view the Domains of the Subject Matter Requirements provided by the CTC.
  4. Coursework and Examination: Successful completion through a combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the CTC. To see if you may be eligible for this option, you must provide Reach Admissions your CSET score report(s) and official transcript(s).
  5. Commission-approved subject-matter program: Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from a Credential Analyst or an authorized official in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program. Signatures from faculty or other staff who are not credentialing authorities cannot be acceptedSpecialized Science subjects ONLY: Individuals may take and pass the appropriate subject matter examinations or obtain verification of completion of subject-matter coursework from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Requirements and procedures may be found in Coded Correspondence 03-0010.