Subject Matter Competency Information


PK-3 Early Childhood Education Credential Program  

Subject Matter Competence (SMC) Assessment

The Subject Matter Competency (SMC) requirement for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential is required by CTC.  Candidates must meet the PK-3 program subject matter requirements before being given daily whole class instructional responsibilities in a preschool through third grade setting. Applicants have two options to demonstrate subject matter competence for the PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Credential Program.

Note that approvals are only valid for the PK-3 credential program offered at 麻豆传媒社区入口 East Bay. CTC is the final granting authority of the Subject Matter Competency requirement.

OPTION 1: DEGREE - Possession of a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in one of the EXACT majors listed below:

  • Child Development
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Human Development
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Child and Family Studies
  • Early Childhood Studies
  • Human Development and Family Science
  • Family Science
  • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies

OPTION 2 - COURSEWORK - Completion of coursework in early childhood education and/or child development.  

Coursework Criteria:

  • 24 semester units or 36 quarter units  of non-remedial coursework
  • A passing grade of C or better in each course used to meet the requirement
  • Coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited institution of  higher education
  • Coursework must be degree-applicable
  • Professional or personal development classes are not acceptable
  • Foreign degrees/coursework, see note below.

NOTES: 

  • CSUEB Human Development BA Program Graduates (any pathway) will automatically meet the SMC requirement and will not need to participate in this assessment process.
  • Foreign Degrees - DO NOT submit your foreign transcripts. Your foreign degree/coursework must be evaluated by a CTC approved agency. For a list of approved agencies visit  ( is recommended).
  • Students who have completed 12- 23 ECE/CD semester units (or equivalent quarter units) but meet all other application requirements may be conditionally admitted.