3.__Demonstrating content area proficiency; assistance.__The department shall assist educational personnel by providing the following options for demonstrating content area proficiency through certification and licensing of each candidate for a teacher certificate or educational technician authorization under chapter 502.

A.__Candidates for initial or renewed certification of additional endorsement may elect to present credentials in the endorsement content area by one of the following routes.__Each route must be available to each candidate every time the candidate makes an application:

(1) Completion of a major or the equivalent in the subject area taught;

(2) Completion of a graduate degree in the subject area taught;

(3) Attainment of certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, or its successor organization, in the subject area taught; or

(4) Attainment of a passing score on a rigorous and carefully validated assessment examination in the subject area taught, with the passing score to be established and reviewed annually by the state board for its impact on teacher supply and demand and student achievement.

B.__Candidates for initial or renewed educational technician authorization may elect to present credentials by one of the following routes.__Each route must be available to each candidate every time the candidate makes an application:

(1) Completion of a 2-year degree program in a related subject area;

(2) Completion of 2 years of college or the equivalent in semester hours;

(3) Completion of the equivalent of 2 years of college in in-service professional development hours;