CA certification

California teacher certification

California reports 23 teaching credentials and 2 alternative routes to Title II, and licensed 17,328 new teachers in the latest year.

Credential rules change. Confirm current requirements with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Teaching credentials in California

Each row is a credential California reported to Title II. Initial means a first credential for a new teacher. Years is the length of validity.

California credentials
Credential	Initial	Years	Renewable	Grade levels
Career Technical Education - Clear	No	5	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Career Technical Education - Preliminary	Yes	3	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Child Development Permit	Yes	5	Yes	Not reported
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Clear	No	5	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Intern	Yes	3	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Preliminary	Yes	5	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Emergency Specialist Teaching Permit in Early Childhood Education	Yes	1	Yes	EC-EC
General Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit	No	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Clear	No	5	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Intern	Yes	2	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Preliminary	Yes	5	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Clear	No	5	Yes	PK-3
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Intern	Yes	2	No	PK-3
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Preliminary	Yes	5	No	PK-3
Provisional Intern Permit	Yes	1	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Short Term Staff Permit	Yes	1	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Clear	No	5	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Intern	Yes	2	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Preliminary	Yes	5	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Special Education Limited Assignment Permit	No	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Teaching Credential Waiver - Short Term	Yes	0	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Teaching Credential Waiver - Variable	Yes	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Teaching Permit for Statutory Leave	No	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12

Requirements

Yes means the state reports the item as required for that credential. Tests shows only whether tests are required; Title II does not name the tests.

Credential	Bachelor's	Master's	Education degree	Prep program	Tests	Performance assessment	Clinical	Coursework	Credit hours	Min. GPA	Transcripts	Employment	Mentoring	Recency	Background check	Fingerprint	Police check
Career Technical Education - Clear	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Career Technical Education - Preliminary	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Child Development Permit	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Clear	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Intern	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Preliminary	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Emergency Specialist Teaching Permit in Early Childhood Education	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
General Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Clear	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Intern	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Preliminary	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Clear	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Intern	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Preliminary	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Provisional Intern Permit	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Short Term Staff Permit	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Clear	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Intern	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Preliminary	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Special Education Limited Assignment Permit	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Teaching Credential Waiver - Short Term	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Teaching Credential Waiver - Variable	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Teaching Permit for Statutory Leave	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Verify a teaching license in California

Teaching licenses in California are verified on the lookup service run by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Search there by the teacher's name or certificate number to see current status.

PT3 does not verify licenses and holds no records of individual teachers.

Renewal

Renew times is how many times the credential can be renewed; renewal years is the length of each renewal.

Renewal
Credential	Renewable	Renew times	Renewal years	Details
Career Technical Education - Clear	Yes	99,999	5	Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: 1. Possess a valid California Preliminary CTE Teaching Credential (three-year or five-year). 2. Commission-approved program of personalized preparation that includes training in Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE). 3. Verify completion of one of the following: 4. Two years of successful teaching on the basis of the Preliminary CTE Teaching Credential in the industry sector(s) listed on the credential. 5. A Commission-approved program of advanced personalized preparation as determined by the program sponsor agency. 6. U.S. Constitution requirement by one of the following methods: 7. Complete a course (at least two semester units or three quarter units) in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution. Submit a copy of the course description for evaluation purposes. 8. Pass an examination in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution, given by a regionally-accredited college or university. 9. Health education, including, but not limited to, the study of nutrition; the physiological and sociological effects of abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and drugs, and the use of tobacco. This requirement must also include training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child, and adult CPR skills. 10. Complete study in computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings. 11. Completed application (form 41-4). 12. Application processing fee. 13. Recommendation by a Commission-approved CTE program sponsor.
Career Technical Education - Preliminary	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Child Development Permit	Yes	99,999	5	Renewable for successive five year periods upon completion of 105 hours of professional growth.
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Clear	Yes	99,999	5	Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements: 1) Completion of a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program. The Induction program must identify and assign a mentor to each participating teacher within the first 30 days of the participant’s enrollment in the program, matching the mentor and participating teacher according to credentials held, grade level and/or subject area, as appropriate to the participant’s employment. An individual with both general education (multiple or single subject) and special education preliminary teaching credentials may complete one set of clear credential requirements through a Teacher Induction Program. The list of professional development options in the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) must address the candidate’s needs for both the general education and special education credentials. An individual who earned the clear multiple or single subject credential by completing a general education Induction Program who subsequently earns a preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential (in any of the specialty areas) may be recommended for the clear Education Specialist Credential without being required to repeat an induction program.
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Intern	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Preliminary	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Emergency Specialist Teaching Permit in Early Childhood Education	Yes	1	1	Applicant is enrolled in a teaching credentialing program that will eventually result in a permanent TK3 credential, and that the employer will continue to mentor and support the candidate.
General Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit	Yes	2	1	Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: 1. Be currently employed by the employing agency requesting such assignment. 2. The employing agency must have an annual Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators (form CL500) on file with the Commission. 3. Hold a valid California general education teaching credential based on a baccalaureate degree and a professional preparation program, including student teaching. 4. Satisfy one of the following (coursework or exams must have been completed after the issuance date of the current permit and prior to the requested issuance date): a. Complete at least six semester units, or nine quarter units of coursework required for each subject listed on the permit, or b. Take all required subject matter examinations for each subject area listed on the permit and pass at least two sections (see Terms and Definitions). 5. Consent to serve on the Limited Assignment General Education Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Permit. 6. Submit, through the employing agency, a completed application (form 41-4), required documentation (official transcripts showing coursework passed with grade C or better, or copy of test score results), and application processing fee.
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Clear	Yes	99,999	5	Individuals who complete a teacher preparation program and receive a five-year preliminary credential must earn a clear credential by completing one of the following options: Option 1 Complete a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program and submit their application for the clear credential through the Induction Program sponsor. Note: The final issuance date for an initial Ryan Clear Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential for California, out-of-state and out-of-country prepared teachers was January 1, 2018. See Coded Correspondence 17-06Open PDF in current window. regarding options for individuals who did not obtain Ryan clear teaching credentials by January 1, 2018. Option 2 Teachers who are certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in one of the qualifying subjects listed below after obtaining the California Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential will be issued a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. National Board Certification: Early Childhood (ages 3 - 8)/Generalist Middle Childhood (ages 7 - 12)/Generalist Individuals applying for the clear credential under Option 2 may apply directly to the Commission by submitting an application by mail including all of the following: 1. Photocopy of National Board Certification 2. Completed application (form 41-4) 3. Application processing fee
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Intern	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Preliminary	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Clear	Yes	99,999	5	Individuals who complete a teacher preparation program and receive a five-year preliminary credential must earn a clear credential by completing one of the following options: Option 1 Complete a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program and submit their application for the clear credential through the Induction Program sponsor. Option 2 Teachers who are certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in the qualifying subject Early Childhood/Generalist certificate after obtaining the California Preliminary PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Teaching Credential will be issued a Clear PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Teaching Credential. Applying for the Credential Candidates who earn the clear credential through Option 1 will obtain a formal recommendation for the credential through their program sponsor. Candidates who earn their clear credential through Option 2 may apply directly to the Commission by submitting an application including all of the following: 1. Photocopy of National Board Certification 2. Completed application (form 41-4) 3. Application processing fee
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Intern	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential - Preliminary	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Provisional Intern Permit	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Short Term Staff Permit	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Clear	Yes	99,999	5	Individuals who complete a professional teacher preparation program and receive a five-year preliminary credential must earn a clear credential by completing one of the following options: Option 1 Complete a Commission-approved Teacher Induction Program and submit their application for the clear credential through the Induction program sponsor. Note: The final issuance date for an initial Ryan Clear Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential for California, out-of-state and out-of-country prepared teachers was January 1, 2018. See Coded Correspondence 17-06Open PDF in current window. regarding options for individuals who do not obtain Ryan clear teaching credentials by January 1, 2018. Option 2 Teachers who are certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) after obtaining the California Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential will be issued a Clear Teaching Credential in the subject area in which they have received national certification. Individuals applying for the clear credential under Option 2 may apply directly to the Commission for a clear teaching credential by submitting an application by mail including all of the following: 1. Photocopy of National Board Certification. 2. Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41). Out-of-state residents must submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet. 3. Application processing fee. In addition, individuals may earn an additional credential or add a content subject area to a general education teaching credential based on National Board Certification. This is an option for individuals who earned their original Multiple or Single Subject Credentials, or equivalent previously issued general education teaching credentials, based on completion of a California, out-of-state, or outside the United States preparation program. See Credential Leaflet CL-621A for additional details.
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Intern	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Single Subject Teaching Credential - Preliminary	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Special Education Limited Assignment Permit	Yes	2	1	Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: 1. Be currently employed by the employing agency requesting such assignment. 2. The employing agency must have an annual Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators (form CL-500) on file with the Commission. 3. Hold a valid California special education teaching credential based on a baccalaureate degree and a professional preparation program, including student teaching, including currently-issued Education Specialist Credentials and previously issued special education credentials. Clear, professional clear, and life Speech-Language Pathology or Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credentials with Special Class Authorization also are appropriate prerequisite credentials. 4. Complete at least six semester units or nine quarter units of course work (or its equivalent) required for issuance of the related credential in each specialty area listed on the permit, verified by a Commission-approved program sponsor on form CL-469-SELAP (it is not necessary to submit transcripts with the form). The course work (or its equivalent) must have been completed after the issuance date of the current permit and prior to the requested issuance date. 5. Consent to serve on the Special Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit. 6. Submit, through the employing agency, a completed application (form 41-4), application processing fee, and Renewal Verification form CL-469-SELAP.
Teaching Credential Waiver - Short Term	No	Not reported	Not reported	Not reported
Teaching Credential Waiver - Variable	Yes	1	1	Credential waivers are utilized to fill certificated positions when more qualified individuals are not available. Education Code Section 44225 (m) authorizes the Commission to grant two types of waivers: short-term and variable term. Short term waivers give local agencies one semester or less to address unanticipated, immediate, short-term organizational needs by assigning fully credentialed teachers to teach outside their credential authorization. Employing agencies may grant a short-term waiver without prior approval by the Commission, provided it is one time only per individual, per class. Employing agencies are permitted to request a variable credential waiver only when qualified individuals and interns are unavailable and the employer is unable to find an individual who qualifies for an emergency permit. Variable waivers are generally issued for one calendar year and the individual on the variable waiver must demonstrate progress toward a credential by completing an examination or coursework toward the credential before the employer can be granted a subsequent waiver.
Teaching Permit for Statutory Leave	Yes	99,999	1	1. One of the following, as applicable: a. For both the first and second renewal, the holder must complete an additional 45 hours of TPSL preparation as defined in regulations. b. For the third and all subsequent renewals, the holder must complete the same professional learning activities that are required of the LEA’s regular teaching staff. 2. Verification from the LEA that continued orientation, mentoring, and support shall be provided to the permit holder for each statutory leave assignment.

Emergency and temporary credentials

Emergency credentials
Credential	Initial	Years	Renewable	Grade levels
Emergency Specialist Teaching Permit in Early Childhood Education	Yes	1	Yes	EC-EC
General Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit	No	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Provisional Intern Permit	Yes	1	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Short Term Staff Permit	Yes	1	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Special Education Limited Assignment Permit	No	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Teaching Credential Waiver - Short Term	Yes	0	No	K-12, K-12, K-12
Teaching Credential Waiver - Variable	Yes	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12
Teaching Permit for Statutory Leave	No	1	Yes	K-12, K-12, K-12

Out-of-state teachers

Title II lists no separate out-of-state credential for California. Ask California Commission on Teacher Credentialing how it reviews licenses from other states.

Newly licensed teachers prepared out of state: 3,414.

Alternative routes

District Intern Program (teach while completing)
University Intern Program (teach while completing)

All alternative routes in California

About California certification

In the academic year 2023-24, a total of 158 Institution and Program Report Cards (IPRCs) were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. Teacher preparation programs at Institution of Higher Education (IHE) with alternative routes are required to submit two separate reports: one for the Traditional route only and a second report for the Alternative route only. There were 81 IHE Traditional route reports, 59 IHE-based Alternative route (University Intern) reports, and 18 not IHE-based Alternative route (District Intern, LEA) reports.

How to become a teacher in California California teacher preparation providers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a teaching certificate in California?

California reports 23 credentials to Title II, 15 of them initial. 13 initial credentials require a bachelor's degree, 9 require a preparation program and 12 require tests. Apply through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

How do I verify a teaching license in California?

Licenses are verified on the lookup service run by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. PT3 does not verify licenses.

Can I renew a California teaching certificate?

11 of 23 California credentials are reported as renewable. Renewal details by credential are listed in the Renewal section.

Does California issue emergency or temporary teaching certificates?

Yes. Title II lists 8: Emergency Specialist Teaching Permit in Early Childhood Education; General Education Limited Assignment Teaching Permit; Provisional Intern Permit; Short Term Staff Permit; Special Education Limited Assignment Permit.

Can I teach in California with an out-of-state license?

Title II lists no separate out-of-state credential for California. Ask California Commission on Teacher Credentialing how it reviews licenses from other states.

Is there alternative teacher certification in California?

Yes. California reports 2 alternative routes to Title II.