Content Core Requirement Update
The Board of Regents amended section 80-3.7 of the Commissioner鈥檚 regulations, reducing the Content Core requirement for the 鈥淎dditional Classroom Teaching Certificate鈥� pathway from 30 semester hours to 18 semester hours. This amendment becomes effective on April 23, 2025.
Please note the following:
- Applications submitted through this pathway on or after 4/23/25 will reflect the updated 18-semester-hour Content Core requirement.
- Applications that were previously evaluated will not be automatically updated to reflect the 18-semester-hour Content Core requirement. However, applicants can request that their application be updated to the 18-semester-hour pathway by filling out .
- Acceptable coursework must be exclusively focused on the specific subject matter of the certificate title sought (e.g., Mathematics, Biology, Spanish, etc.). Courses that are related - but not exclusively focused on such subject matter - are unacceptable. Additionally, pedagogical coursework covering the subject matter (e.g., teaching methods of a subject) is not acceptable.
- Note: Content core courses must be passed with a "C" or above at the undergraduate level or "B-" or above at the graduate level.
The following certificate titles are affected by this regulation change:
Grades 5-9
- biology, chemistry, earth science, English language arts, mathematics, social studies, physics, and foreign language certificates.
Grades 7-12
- biology, chemistry, earth science, English language arts, mathematics, social studies, physics, and foreign language certificates.
Special subjects (All Grades)
- dance, family and consumer sciences, health education, music, physical education, technology education, theater, and visual arts.
Other subjects (All Grades)
- agriculture and business and marketing

