CSET Waiver 2026: Use a Degree or Coursework Instead

Ways to meet the subject matter requirement

As of October 2026, CTC lists these options:

Pass the CSET for your credential
Complete a Commission-approved subject matter program
Hold a degree major that matches your credential (see the next table)
Pass college coursework with a C or better that covers each of CTC’s subject matter domains for your credential. Lower- or upper-division courses count, before or after your degree, and so can AP, CLEP and IB credit
Combine coursework and exam options

Which degree majors work as a CSET waiver?

Credential	Degree major that counts (from July 9, 2026)
Single Subject	A major in the subject, or now also in a closely related subject. CTC’s examples: Statistics or Applied Mathematics for Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering or Applied Physics for Physics, Music Theory or Vocal Music for Music
Multiple Subject	Liberal studies, education or another major, but only if it required coursework in all nine areas: language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, the arts, physical education and human development
Education Specialist (special education)	A major in one of the subjects CTC credentials, or liberal studies or another major with coursework in the multiple subject content areas
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist	Child development, education, or a related major with at least three courses (12 semester units) in child, human or early childhood development

Degrees must come from a regionally accredited school. For a Multiple Subject degree, the program checks your college’s catalog from the year you earned it. If a program verified you before September 14, 2026, that verification stands.

CTC: Appropriate Degree Majors to Satisfy Subject Matter Competence ↗CTC: Program Sponsor Alert 26-04, Updated Guidance Regarding Subject Matter Competency (September 14, 2026, PDF) ↗

Coursework: the subject matter domains

In August 2026, CTC approved new, simpler domain descriptions for each credential. For the Multiple Subject credential, the number of domains you have to show went from 23 to 18. Your program compares your transcript with those domains, and the program has the final say.

Is there a CSET for special education?

No. The CTC exams site lists no special education CSET. For an Education Specialist credential, AB 126 lets you use a major in any subject CTC credentials, or liberal studies or another major with coursework in the multiple subject areas. Your program confirms it.

CTC Exams: all tests ↗

Do you need the CBEST?

Often not. The basic skills requirement is separate from subject matter, and CTC accepts any of these:

A bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited school, for most credentials
College courses in reading, writing and math, passed with a B or better, at least 3 semester or 4 quarter units each
A mix of qualifying courses and parts of the exam options
ACT English 22 and Math 23, or SAT scores at CTC’s levels
Passing the CBEST
Passing all three CSET: Multiple Subjects subtests plus CSET: Writing Skills
CSU Early Assessment Program results of College Ready or Exempt in both English and math, or passing CSU ELM and EPT scores
AP scores of 3 or higher in English Language or Literature, plus Calculus AB, Calculus BC or Statistics
A basic skills exam passed in another state, from CTC’s list

The degree option doesn’t cover a few documents, including the Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers. Check CL-667 if you’re applying for a permit rather than a teaching credential.

CTC: Basic Skills Requirement (CL-667) ↗

Who decides

Your preparation program decides whether your degree or coursework works as a CSET waiver, not Pearson, and not you. Ask your program before you book a CSET. If your degree isn’t on CTC’s list of majors, CTC says to contact its credentialing staff.

Sources: CTC · CTC Exams and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

CSET waiver: skipping the CSET or CBEST with a degree or coursework