Applying for the Award of the Credential

Once students complete the coursework and accompanying testing necessary to fullfill their credential requirements for their specific program area, they work with the Credentials Analysts to apply online for the Award of the Credential through the Graduate College of Education's Credential Office.

Award of the Preliminary Credential & CRS Credential

Students need to contact the Credential Analysts in the Credential & Graduate Service Center in Burk Hall 244, phone (415) 405-3594, or email credinfo@sfsu.edu. The application to apply for the award of the credential is now processed online. 

To communicate directly with a Credential Analyst:

  • Students whose last name begins (A-K) should email Myla Adeva at credexit@sfsu.edu
  • Students whose last name begins with (L-Z) should email Claudia Murcia at marxel@sfsu.edu

In addition to coursework, students may also need to meet the following requirements:

  • CPR
  • U.S. Constitution
  • Subject Matter Competency Requirement (SMR)
  • Literacy Requirement – Submit a copy of the official score report. See options below:
    • RICA (available until October 31, 2025), or
    • Foundations of Reading Exam (available beginning July 1, 2025), or
    • 2025–2026 version of the Literacy Cycle (available after September 23, 2025)

Finally, prior to applying for the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential final grades need to be posted and CalTPA exam scores need to have been received.   

NOTE: The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential is valid for five years; refer to your Preliminary Credential document, issued through CTC, for renewal requirements. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues all credentials.