California credential programs, approved by (CTC), authorize the granting of special education credentials as “basic” credentials. The approved programs at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) include the following:

 Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials

- Clear (Induction) Education Specialist Credentials

- Intern Credentials in Special Education

- Added authorizations (see advisor for a complete listing of approved added authorizations offered)

- Education Specialist Credential Program combined with a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education

Visual Impairments (VI)  authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education-related services to individuals with a primary disability of visual impairment including blind, deaf-blind, and autism spectrum disorders within the disability area, from birth through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

- Standards for the English language authorization are embedded in the preliminary Education Specialist programs and are approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The credentials completed under these requirements will authorize the holder to provide the following services to English learners:

- Instruction for English language development; and

- Specially designed content instruction delivered in English.

- The preliminary Education Specialist credentials authorize holders to provide instructional services to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders within the specialty areas of their credentials. 

-  All Education Specialist Credential Programs also address the continuum of service delivery. The continuum includes: general education settings; resource rooms or services; special education settings; special schools; home/hospital settings; correctional facilities; non-public, non-sectarian schools and agencies as defined in education code sections 56365 and 56366; and alternative and non-traditional instructional public school settings other than classrooms.

NOTE: Candidates are responsible for examinations required for the credential by the state of California (e.g., CBEST, CSET, RICA) and should review the CTC website for current requirements or consult with an advisor for current policies.