Out-of-State Credentialing for California Teachers

If you’re looking to become a teacher in California, one option is through out-of-state credentialing, where you earn your teaching certification in another state and transfer the credential to California.

This process, sometimes called reciprocity, opens the door for certified teachers wanting to move to The Golden State or other hopeful educators who want to complete an out-of-state Teacher/Educator Preparation Program.

California offers a wide range of Commission-approved EPPs, but the vast majority of these are in-state programs. If you complete an out-of-state program, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, you can earn a teaching certification in another state and transfer the credential to California.

Out-of-State Credentialing Routes

California offers three routes for out-of-state-credentialing:

• Route 1: For teachers with a professional-level license and less than 2 years of teaching experience (including those with only student teaching).
• Route 2: For teachers with a professional-level license and 2 or more years of experience.
• Route 3: For teachers with a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Details for each route may vary based on the individual teacher and credential type. For the most up-to-date information, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.

Example: Out-of-State Credentialing via Arizona

Let’s say you’re living in Arizona and want to become a teacher, but you know you’re ready for a move to California. (Sunny skies, beautiful outdoor spaces, plenty of opportunities in education — what could be better?)

You already have your bachelor’s degree, but it’s not in education. Here’s an example of your potential path to teaching:

• Step 1: Complete an Educator Preparation Program. Moreland’s 9-month TEACHNOW program is fully accredited and 100% online.
• Step 2: Pass the required Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
• Step 3: Obtain a fingerprint clearance card.
• Step 4: Complete and submit your application for an Arizona certification.
• Step 5: Apply to transfer your credential to California and complete any additional requirements to move your credential from Preliminary to Clear.

For more detailed information, visit the “Prepared in Another State” section of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. It’s always best to check with the CTC for the most up-to-date information.

Example 2: Out-of-State Credentialing via D.C.

Or, let’s say you’re a military spouse. Your wife is stationed in D.C., but you know your next stop is The Golden State. You have a bachelor’s degree in journalism and have been working as a newspaper reporter, but given the shrinking job market for journalists, you want to earn your teaching certification as well.

Here is a potential path to earning your D.C. teaching certification and then transferring that credential to California.

• Step 1: Complete an Educator Preparation Program.
• Step 2: Pass the required certification exams (these will vary based on the subject and grades you want to teach).
• Step 3: Complete the D.C. Local Education Agency (LEA) Request Form.
• Step 4: Submit fingerprints and pass a background check to earn your D.C. certification.
• Step 5: When the time comes for the move to California, apply to transfer your teaching credential.

Again, this is just one example, and details may vary based on the specifics of your situation. For more information, visit the “Prepared in Another State” section of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.

Why Teach in California

California is a great state for teachers. There’s a high demand for educators — more than 10,000 open teacher jobs statewide in the 2021-22 school year, according to the California Department of Education — and diverse opportunities, with traditional, alternative, charter, and special education schools.

California teachers make an average of $95,160 a year, according to the National Education Association. That’s the No. 1 rate in the nation.

And finally, California teachers have the opportunity to make an incredible difference in student lives. A teacher’s impact can last for generations. So, while teaching in California is a difficult job that requires persistence and preparation, it’s also one of the most meaningful and rewarding careers.

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Earn your professional teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
TEACH-NOW is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and options for financing or monthly payment plans.