During your onboarding period (the time after which you accept your TFA offer, but before you begin TFA’s summer teacher training) you will: 

• Meet the the California Basic Skills Requirement by either submitting a score report with qualifying SAT, ACT, or AP scores OR passing the CBEST exam
• Study for and pass two to six California subject matter exams (dependent upon your subject assignment)
• Complete other credentialing requirements, such as getting a TB test, applying for a Certificate of Clearance, and getting fingerprinted three times
• Enroll in LMU’s Teacher Credential Program

In order to meet CTC requirements, in your first summer and academic year as a Los Angeles corps member, you will: 

• Complete an ELL course while simultaneously completing Teach For America’s Pre-Service summer teacher training
• Engage in weekly LMU classes and complete the required university coursework

All Los Angeles corps members work with LMU to earn their intern credential unless they have earned a credential prior to joining Teach For America.

It is important to understand, budget, and plan to have a successful financial transition to the Los Angeles corps. Below are the fees you will incur, as it relates to teacher credentialing, before receiving your first paycheck:

• California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) - $102
• California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for the subject matter(s) in which you are assigned to teach: $200 - $300
• U.S. Constitution Exam: $0 - $85
• Degree-conferred transcript (2 copies): $0 - $75
• TB Test & Physical: $0 - $100
• Certificate of Clearance: $52
• Credential Posting Fee: $100
• Fingerprints: $125

Second year corps members and alumni may pursue a Masters of Urban Education or Special Education at LMU; only a few additional courses are required for this degree.

To help offset credentialing costs, you may be eligible to enroll as an AmeriCorps member during your first and second year as a corps member. To qualify for enrollment, you must meet specific citizenship and service term requirements. After each successful year as an AmeriCorps member, you may receive an education award.

The out-of-pocket costs for LMU’s certification program tuition are approximately $6,000 after taking into account the AmeriCorps Education Award. If you are not eligible for an AmeriCorps award or you choose not to enroll in AmeriCorps, supplemental financial support in the form of grants and awards varies. For those interested in reducing their costs and committing to teaching in CA schools for up to 4 years, they may apply for the CA Golden State Teaching Grant (up to $20,000).