Education Department

Education Subject Matter Competency Verification

Subject Matter Verification Form 

California Education code requires that all candidates for a teaching credential demonstrate they are proficient in the subject matter of their intended credential.

California Assembly Bill 130 allows for completion of an academic major in the subject area of the credential being sought to satisfy Subject Matter Competency (SMC).

A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education may be considered for subject matter competency verification for a preliminary credential.

Degrees that qualify for consideration:

  • For a Multiple Subject Credential: a degree major of Liberal Studies.
  • For a Single Subject Credential: a degree major in one of the subjects named in Education Code section 44257(a); Art, English, History/Social Science, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, and Science (General Science or a specific area of the sciences).

If you have questions regarding SMC, please email education@westmont.edu.

Westmont only provides verification to current Westmont students or applicants who have applied/are applying to one of our credential programs.

The approximate processing time for a SMC verification is 3-4 weeks.

Please do not mail, email, or fax documents unless requested to do so. Failure to follow submittal instructions may be cause for delay or rejection of the verification.

Instructions:

Complete and submit your verification request with your unofficial transcripts in one PDF document to the submission portal.

No other file format will be accepted. Do not zip or password protect your file. Do not upload multiple files; your verification must be in one file.

How to create and submit your verification form and supporting documents:

  1. To complete the verification request, download the form below to your device. Open it in Adobe Reader and fill it in, ensuring you have completed all required information. Print or save the application as a PDF to your device. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download the app free from any app store.
  2. To compile your verification request and supporting documents into one file, you will need to merge your documents. Adobe Reader does not have merge functions unless purchased. To merge your documents, there is free Adobe merge software available such as: I love PDF, PDF Merge, or PDF Joiner.
  3. Name your PDF: Last Name_First Name_Westmont ID_SMC. Save a copy for your records.
  4. 4. Upload your PDF file to your credential program application.

Subject Matter Verification Form