However, the student with a degree in fine arts would need to take the Praxis exam and the SSAT in mathematics, if he wished to become a math teacher. At UCSD, the office authorized to evaluate subject matter coursework for UCSD students is the Teacher Education Program. These programs range from ten months to two years, depending on the university. A student only completes one graduate teacher education program in one area, that is, in either multiple subject teaching methods, or teaching methods in one of the single subject areas. For every additional area in which a student wishes to be credentialed only demonstration of subject matter competence is required.
Some programs require the applicant to have had some experience with school-age children.
Potential applicants are encouraged to communicate early with the TEP that interests them to find out about all pre-requisites. Application deadlines vary widely. The SSAT and Praxis Series offer subject assessments for applicants who elect to demonstrate subject matter competence for a single subject credential via examination rather than by completion of course work. In California alone there are 80 teacher training programs. Virtually every CSU campus, and many UC campuses, offer TEPs.