Credential Information

If you are a National University student and have a question or concern regarding your credential program please contact our Student Services Coordinator by call 1-866-NU ACCESS, ext. 8300. 

If you would like to talk to National University about enrolling in a credential program please contact 1-800-NAT-UNIV and ask for the Admissions Department in your area.

Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to a Credential program (at either undergraduate or graduate/post baccalaureate level) at National University should refer to the academic information for undergraduate or graduate admission procedures.

Notes: Students with international degrees who do not hold a U.S.-approved bachelor’s degree must receive an evaluation from a CTC-approved international evaluation agency before being admitted to the University and starting the first course.

Admission Process
In addition to the admission requirements listed in the “General Admission Procedures” sections of this catalog, applicants to all of National University’s credential programs must proceed through the following admissions procedure:

Stage 1:  All credential students must attend a Faculty/Credential Advisement orientation and complete a candidate statement prior to the completion of TED 305 (undergraduate) or TED 601 (Graduate/Post baccalaureate) for Multiple or Single Subject candidates, or EXC 602A for Special Education candidates or CED 604 or PED 604 for Pupil Personnel Services candidates, or ORI3 for Administrative Services candidates where specific credentialing requirements will be addressed. The candidate statement must be reviewed and signed by the faculty advisor for admission to the School of Education.

Stage 2:  Within 30 days of enrollment, student must provide the following:

• Valid Certificate of Clearance or equivalent document
• Completed Credential Packet
• Valid Negative TB Test
• Verification of attempt to take and pass the CBEST examination or alternative basic skills

Stage 3:  Students must complete the credential packet and return this to the Credential Advisor.

Notes:

• Students are not eligible for financial aid until the evaluation is complete.
• Students transferring from a credential program from another university must provide a letter of good standing.
• Undergraduate students who have coursework in transfer that may meet coursework requirements at National University should coordinate with their admissions advisor.
• Graduate/Post Baccalaureate students may be eligible for up to 13.5 quarter units of transfer or content waiver based on previously completed coursework that is equivalent to a course at National University. An E Form waiver must be submitted for any course equivalencies and can be done via the student portal or with the assistance of your admissions advisor.

Credential Residency Requirements
All students enrolled in a Credential program must meet the residency requirements as specified in the degree. ALL student teaching courses MUST be taken in residency and may not be waived. Courses taken online are considered to be in-residence.

Undergraduate Residency:

• Please see Academic Information for Undergraduate Degrees for overall degree residencies as well as your degree requirements for specific residencies

Graduate/Post Baccalaureate Residency:
Candidates must complete a minimum of 31.5 quarter units in residence at National University to be recommended for a credential to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Courses taken online are considered to be in-residence.

The residency requirement does not apply to candidates in the following programs:

• Level II Special Education
• California Reading Certificate
• Early Childhood Special Education Certificate
• Professional/Tier II Administrative Services Credential
• An additional credential if one is previously held

Notes:

• All Credential related coursework must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 (“D” and “F” grades are not accepted and must be repeated).
• Students who are absent for a period of 12 months or more must re-enroll and be re-evaluated under a new catalog.
• All credential courses are valid for seven years.

The Student Agreement
To ensure that graduates of National University’s teaching and services credential programs are able to meet the legal requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), all applicants for admission to credential programs must enter into a student agreement. A copy of the student agreement is contained in the credential information packet that is available from a Credential Advisor.

The student agreement gives National University the right to suspend or terminate the student’s participation in the credential program upon a showing that the student has:

• Committed acts or engaged in conduct that could constitute grounds for denial of a credential;
• Failed to demonstrate the requisite skills and qualifications to satisfy the requirements for a credential; or
• Demonstrated other qualities or behaviors enumerated in the student agreement inconsistent with National University’s recommendation of the student for an education credential. The student agreement also authorizes National University to release to the Commission all pertinent information pertaining to the student’s qualification or fitness for a credential.

Student Assistance, Notice of Need to Improve, and Dismissal from School of Education Programs
National University is committed to maintaining quality standards throughout its credential programs and to graduating competent professional educators. As required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), National University identifies and assists students who need special assistance and retains in its programs only those students who are suited for entry to or advancement in the education profession. The CTC is charged by the state with evaluating the moral character and fitness of all persons who wish to teach or perform certified services in California public schools. Every person who is an applicant for, or who now holds any credential, certificate, permit, or license authorizing service in California public schools is answerable to the CTC and the Committee on Credentials for his or her fitness-related conduct. California’s Laws and Rules Pertaining to the Discipline of Professional Certificated Personnel (2002), available on the CTC website at www.ctc.ca.gov, address legal, ethical, and behavioral standards to which all such persons must adhere.

If a student is identified as being deficient or needing assistance to meet program standards at any point during his or her program, the student’s instructor of record during coursework or University supervisor during a fieldwork assignment will issue the student a Candidate Assistance Plan . The plan will indicate one of three possible actions that the instructor/supervisor intends to recommend to the lead faculty in the program:

1. The student is identified as needing improvement in designated areas. A plan of improvement, with an expected date of completion, is attached to the form. The student will be permitted to continue taking classes or continue in his/her fieldwork assignment while completing the plan.
2. The student is identified as needing improvement in designated areas. A plan of improvement, with an expected date of completion, is attached to the form. The student receives a failing grade in the class or an unsatisfactory grade in the fieldwork assignment. The student will not be permitted to continue taking classes or continue in his/her fieldwork assignment until the plan is completed and the class or fieldwork assignment is re-taken, at the student’s expense.
3. The student is identified as being unsuited for the education profession and is recommended for dismissal from the program.

Upon receiving a Professional Growth and Development Plan, the student will meet with his/her instructor of record or University supervisor, along with the regional lead faculty and/or the lead supervisor. This Faculty Assistance Team will discuss any recommended plan of improvement with the student and will later meet with the student to evaluate the student’s performance of the expectations listed on the plan.

If the candidate is allowed to continue in the program and receives a second unsatisfactory grade in a practicum or student teaching assignment, the student will be recommended for dismissal from the program. The process for a hearing and appeal, upon recommendation for dismissal from a program, is outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Program Advisement
Every credential program has an assigned faculty advisor who is available to provide program specific advisement related to a specific program field. The faculty advisor name and contact information is listed in the catalog under the heading of specific programs. These advisors are a resource for specific questions students may have about classes, curriculum, and instructors.

Each student also has a Credential Advisor available to him/her to help navigate the specifics of the state credentialing requirements. These requirements can vary and are in constant flux due to changing legislation and the dynamic nature of public education. It is very important for students to work closely with their local Credential Advisor to understand and educate themselves on the specifics of their particular credentialing requirements.

Credential Candidate Placement File Service
When requested, the School of Education provides a placement file service for credential candidates. A placement file contains a standardized resume form, two student teacher evaluations, and three letters of recommendation. Placement files are prepared and sent to school districts upon written authorization from the student.

Student Teaching Placements
Candidates are placed in their student teaching assignment by the University. Students should not contact districts directly to obtain student teaching placement.

Detailed requirements for student teaching are listed in the Student Teaching Handbook for Multiple Subject/Single Subject and in other handbooks and/or orientation courses for other credentials.

Candidates will be placed:

• By the University in their student teaching school under the supervision of a University Supervisor and Supervising Teacher(s).
• In a supervised full-time student teaching assignment within the appropriate credential area for one full academic semester.
• For at least one-half of their student teaching, in approved public, charter, or private schools that implement state adopted core curriculum content standards within the state of California. Summer school, after-school programs, and outdoor education programs will be reviewed to determine if they meet criteria for a student teaching assignment. Court schools or community alternative schools may be acceptable placements for one-half of the student teaching experience.
• In two different teaching settings. BCLAD candidates must be in classrooms that provide literacy and academic content taught in the language of emphasis for at least one extended teaching assignment.
•  In two different grade spans.

Multiple Subject Candidates will be placed:

• In classrooms to observe and participate at two or more of the following grade spans: K-2, 3-5, and 6-9. A K-2 class experience is required unless there is documented fieldwork experience with beginning readers.
• Single Subject Candidates will be placed:
• In two or more subject-specific teaching assignments that differ in content and/or grade level.
• In a teaching experience of a minimum of four academic periods a day in two classroom settings.

Credential Candidates Teaching Under Contract
National University provides a program whereby actively employed teachers can complete the requirements for their teaching credential while employed. All of the student teaching may be conducted in the candidate’s classroom, assuming that the contract position is a match for the credential sought. Credential candidates teaching under contract:

• In an approved multiple subject assignment can complete the assignment in their own classroom. There must be documented experience with K-2 or beginning readers, otherwise candidates must complete four weeks in an alternate setting with a certified teacher.
• In an approved single subject assignment (within the credential area) can complete the full semester in their own assignment provided that they are teaching four periods in two grade levels, or can document prior experience at other grade levels otherwise candidates must complete four weeks in an alternate setting with a certified teacher
• In a regionally (WASC) approved nonpublic school setting must complete a minimum of one course of the four-course sequence student teaching experience in a public school.
• Teach under the supervision of a University Supervisor and Supervising Teacher who model effective teaching, implement state-adopted academic core curriculum, mentor the candidate, and work with the University Supervisor.

University Internships
National University also provides University Internship credential programs which provide opportunities for Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate students to assume the responsibilities of full-time “teachers of record” while completing the credential coursework required for a preliminary credential. Interns are salaried credentialed employees of a school or agency, working on a two year Internship Credential valid only at the site of hire. University Internship credential students meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

National University students who are interested in becoming a university intern must meet the internship eligibility requirements to be enrolled in the program. Please see the detailed University Internship requirements under each specific credential program in the catalog.

Recommendation for a California Preliminary Credential
To be formally recommended for a California Preliminary Teaching Credential or Services Credential by National University students must have the following requirements:

• Undergraduate: Completed all requirements for the blended bachelor’s degree. (Completion must be verified by the Registrar’s office) or Graduate/Credential: Proof of a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (IHE) or an international degree of U.S. equivalence
• Successful completion of the National University Admissions process.
• Successful completion of the program coursework within seven years.
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended on file at National University
• Proof of passing grade of “C” or better coursework or an examination covering the U.S. Constitution is only required for Teacher Education and Special Education candidates.
• Proof of passage of the Basic Skills Assessment.
• Proof of meeting the subject matter competency requirement. Only candidates getting a Single Subject credential or a Special Education credential through Single Subject competency may meet subject matter by either passing the appropriate Commission-approved examinations or by obtaining a complete subject matter equivalency letter from a regionally accredited CTC-approved program verifying completion of the appropriate subject matter program. Multiple Subject teacher candidates and Special Education through Multiple Subject competency candidates must demonstrate subject matter competency by passing a Commission-approved examination, currently the California Subject Examination for Teachers: Multiple Subject (CSET).
• Completion of the undergraduate or graduate residency requirements
• Successful completion of the coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. (Grades of “D” and “F” are not accepted.) All coursework must be completed within seven years to be accepted.
• Undergraduate students must also have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA overall for their bachelor’s degree.
• Successful completion of the exit process, including portfolio requirements.
• Written evaluations of performance in field experiences, internships, educational projects, student teaching, and other practicum.
• Proof of passing the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). (Multiple Subject teacher education and Special Education candidates only)
• Teacher Education candidates in Multiple or Single Subject programs must successfully complete all four TPA Tasks.
• CPR certification for Infant, Child, and Adult (must be valid when candidate applies for a Teacher Education or Special Education teaching credential)
• BCLAD only – verification of passing scores on oral and written language proficiency examinations.
• Valid Certificate of Clearance or equivalent document.
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University before applying for the credential; zero account balance.
• A completed CTC credential application with valid credit card to pay for CTC online application fee.

Courtesy Placements: Out-of-State Requests for Student Teaching
Candidates interested in completing TED 465A, B, C, D or TED 630A, B, C, D Student Teaching outside of California must submit a Courtesy Placement Request to the School of Education Credential Department. The State Student Teaching Program Specialist will review the candidate’s eligibility requirements. The State Student Teaching Program Coordinator will interview the applicant to assess the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Successful completion of the student teaching program requirements and interview will determine the candidate’s eligibility for a Courtesy Placement. Students must meet all California program and testing requirements to be eligible for a courtesy placement.

Although National University makes every effort to find courtesy placements, the University is unable to guarantee placements. Out-of state requests are difficult to arrange because other states often have specific compliance requirements. Agreements between National University, a State Teaching Credential Office, Department of Defense (outside United States), and a cooperating university must be approved before placement is considered. A signed contract must be obtained from the requested school district. These agency agreements are secured by the National University placement staff. After a district contract is approved, a University Supervisor is hired by National University and a Supervising Teacher is assigned by the district to supervise the candidate. It is not unusual for this process to take several months to complete.

In addition, some states will not allow out of state universities to place student teachers into their schools and will therefore require that the candidate enroll and pay for student teaching coursework at a local university. In these cases, the student must enroll and pay for National University student teaching coursework in addition to the local universities courses.

Upon completion of student teaching and all other credential requirements, candidates will meet the requirements for a California Teaching Credential. If a candidate desires a credential for another state, the candidate must contact the appropriate state agencies and meet the specific state requirements before student teaching.

Please contact your Credential Advisor or Placement Specialist if you have additional questions about this placement option.

Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA)
All Multiple and Single Subject credential candidates beginning their teacher preparation program on or after July 1, 2008 will be required to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) mandated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The TPA is comprised of four Tasks to be completed by candidates at different times throughout their program. The purpose of the TPA is to assess the candidate's knowledge, abilities, and skills in relation to the TPEs. Each completed task is sent to a trained assessor to be scored and candidates must pass all four tasks in order to be recommended for a Multiple or Single Subject credential. Specific information on the Teaching Performance Assessment will be introduced in the TED601 Teaching and Credentialing course.

All students required to complete the TPA will do so in Task Stream, an online environment specifically designed to support the completion of TPA Tasks electronically. Each student will open a Task Stream account and receive specific information regarding this system during the TED601 Teaching and Credentialing course.

Students will not complete the TPA Tasks as assignments within their coursework however the knowledge to successfully complete each TPA Task is imbedded in the curriculum. Below is an outline of the Undergraduate and Graduate Multiple and Single Subject teacher credential courses which prepare students for successful completion of the TPA.

Portfolio
Candidates in the Multiple and Single Subject credential programs will complete a Portfolio via Task Stream. Each Portfolio is comprised of artifacts completed and or collected by the candidate via signature assignments throughout their program. The Portfolio is used as a resource tool, and also showcases candidate’s knowledge for employment opportunities.