In order to teach in California, all corps members are required to take and pass three tests before the school year begins: the CSET (a subject matter test), the CBEST (a basic skills test), and a U.S. Constitution exam. Because of the importance of passing these tests and because of their relative difficulty compared to other states' tests, we encourage applicants assigned to Los Angeles to register for and take the earliest possible exam once they receive their subject and grade level assignment. Doing so allows corps members to have multiple opportunities to pass the exams before the school year begins. For more details about when these exams are offered, the cost of registering, and registration, see the CSET and CBEST websites.
Applicants assigned to Los Angeles will receive more information on how to fully prepare for their exams once they are accepted.
Nearly all Los Angeles corps members earn a California teaching credential and master's degree in education during their two-year commitment.
One of our longest-running University Intern options offered in Los Angeles is our partnership with Loyola Marymount University (LMU), one of only five private universities in California to be accredited by the National Council for Teacher Education. Corps members typically spend five to six hours per week in classes. Elementary and secondary corps members work toward their credential and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Special education corps members enrolled at LMU work toward a Mild/Moderate Disabilities credential and Master of Arts in Special Education.
| Costs to Begin Teaching |
|---|
| Testing: $320-450 |
| Processing: $150-200 |
| Up-front Certification Program Cost: $100-400 |
| Costs to Maintain Emergency Credential |
|---|
|
$3,000-9,000 per year (depending on program) |
In order to teach in California, corps members have to enroll in a credentialing program. The cost of that program can range from $3,000-8,000 per year, depending on the school and whether corps members choose to participate in a simultaneous master’s in education program. For elementary and secondary corps members, total costs for the credential and master's degree are approximately $16,000, which represents a 40 percent tuition reduction. The special education program, which requires additional coursework, costs approximately $18,000. LMU defers tuition payments until corps members complete their first year of teaching. Currently, most corps members are able to pay a large portion of their tuition with their AmeriCorps awards, which total $4,725 per year. Early childhood education teachers credentialing cost are $7,000 less than K-12 teachers.
Corps members can also enroll in other alternative certification programs at local universities, which can cost from $5,000 to $9,500. Most of these programs defer tuition payments for the first year. Applicants assigned to Los Angeles will receive more information about exams and certification options once they are accepted.
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