How to Get Your California
Teacher Credential
Your California teaching credential is a gateway to a rewarding teaching career. With one of the largest and most diverse education
systems in the country, California offers a vibrant and meaningful landscape for educators.
This guide will walk you through the steps to earning your teaching credential in The Golden State — from choosing the right
Educator Preparation Program to passing your required exams and applying for your credential.
California Department of Education
The California Department of Education is a great resource for aspiring educators. In particular, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has detailed information on credentialing and educator assessment, preparation, ethics, and more.
How to Become a Credentialed Teacher in California
California offers four main pathways to a teaching credential: Traditional, Residency,
Integrated Undergraduate, and Intern.
You can also transfer a teaching credential from another state through a process called
out-of-state credentialing (also known as reciprocity).
California Pathways
1
Traditional
This is the most common pathway for college graduates in California. It combines post-baccalaureate coursework with student teaching.
2
Residency
Inspired by the medical residency model, this pathway pairs college graduates with experienced mentors for in-depth, practical training.
3
Integrated Undergraduate
Designed for high school graduates who know they want to teach, this pathway integrates a bachelor’s degree with teacher preparation coursework in a streamlined timeline.
4
Intern
This pathway offers candidates the opportunity to “try on” teaching before earning a Preliminary Credential. Intern programs are the fastest path to a teaching career in California.
For detailed information, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website.
Reciprocity: Out-of-State Credentialing
California offers a wide range of Commission-approved Educator Preparation Programs, 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.
California offers three routes for out-of-state teachers to earn a credential based on their
professional-level license and teaching experience:
Route 1: Less than Two Years of Experience
For teachers with a professional-level license and less than two years of teaching experience
(including those with only student teaching).
Requirements:
- Copy of out-of-state credential(s)
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree
Example: Out-of-state credentialing via Arizona
Step 1: Earn your bachelor’s degree. This degree does not necessarily have to be in education.
Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program. Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program is fully accredited and 100% online.
Step 3: Pass the required Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA).
Step 4: Obtain a fingerprint clearance card.
Step 5: Complete and submit your application for an Arizona certification.
Step 6: 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.
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Route 2: Two or More Years of Experience
For teachers with a professional-level license and at least two years of full-time teaching experience.
Requirements:
- Copy of out-of-state credential(s)
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree
- Verification letter of teaching experience
- Two satisfactory performance evaluations or supplemental evaluation letters
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Route 3: National Board Certified Teachers
For teachers with a professional-level license and certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Requirements:
- Copy of out-of-state credential(s)
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree
- Copy of National Board Certification (specific subject areas accepted)
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For all routes, the exact documentation may vary based on credential type. Visit the California Commission on Teacher
Credentialing (CTC) website for more details.
Teacher Benefits in California
Competitive Salaries
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.
Rich Cultural Environment
California’s diverse student body makes teaching here a culturally rewarding experience. 56% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino and 10% as Asian, according to the DOE.
High Teacher Demand
California employs more than 319,000 teachers and continues to need high-quality educators. In the 2021–22 school year, there were more than 10,000 open teaching jobs statewide.
Diverse School Types
With nearly 10,000 schools, including traditional, charter, alternative, and special education schools, educators can find roles that align with their skills and interests.
Credential Types
California has a two-tiered system for most credential types: Preliminary Credential and Clear Credential.
Preliminary Credential
This is a professional-level teaching credential issued to individuals who meet initial credentialing requirements. This credential is non-renewable and is valid for five years, allowing time to complete additional steps for a Clear Credential.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or alternative).
- Demonstrate subject-matter competence (CSET or approved program).
- Complete a teacher preparation program.
- Pass fingerprinting and a background check.
Clear Credential
This is the advanced teaching credential in California, issued after completing additional professional requirements following the Preliminary Credential. This second-level credential is valid for five years and is renewable.
Requirements:
- Completion of a state-approved Induction Program or an alternative clear credential program.
- Verify employment as a teacher or participate in a CTC-approved program.
- Maintain fingerprint clearance and professional fitness standards.
For additional details and the most up-to-date information, visit the state department of education website.
California Teacher Requirements
General Requirements
California teachers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a bachelor’s in something other than education, you can earn your teaching credential through an Educator Preparation Program.
You’ll also need to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR), demonstrate subject-matter competence in your teaching area, and
complete a background check with fingerprinting.
Testing Requirements
To teach in California, you’ll need to complete a series of state-mandated assessments. Specific exams vary by grade level, subject,
and credential, but the tests are grouped into these key categories:
- Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or alternative)
- Subject-Matter Competence (CSET or approved preparation program)
- Performance-Based Assessments (edTPA or CalTPA)
- Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
Education & Degree Requirements
California requires educators to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is in something other than education, you
can earn your credential through an Educator Preparation Program, such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
California Licensing Application Process
When you’re ready to apply for your California teaching credential, you’ll submit your application online through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website. This platform allows you to check the status of your application, review correspondence, and access or print your credential once it’s issued.
If you’re applying for your credential through reciprocity (out-of-state credentialing), you’ll submit your application via traditional mail.
California Educator Preparation Program
California has a list of Commission-approved Educator Preparation Programs, the vast majority of which are located in The Golden State. If you complete an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program, you could earn your certification in another state and transfer your credential to California.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Credentialing in California offers a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a credentialed teacher in The Golden State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a certified teacher in California. We have answers.
How do I become a California teacher?
California offers four main pathways to a teaching credential: Traditional, Residency, Integrated Undergraduate, and Intern.
You can also transfer a teaching credential from another state through a process called out-of-state credentialing, also known as reciprocity.
For more detailed information, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching credential in California?
California offers three routes for out-of-state teachers to earn a credential based on their professional-level license and teaching experience:
Route 1: Less than Two Years of Experience: For teachers with a professional-level license and less than two years of teaching experience (including those with only student teaching).
Route 2: Two or More Years of Experience: For teachers with a professional-level license and at least two years of full-time teaching experience.
Route 3: National Board Certified Teachers: For teachers with a professional-level license and certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website for more details.
Do I need a teaching credential to teach in California?
Yes, in most cases, you need a teaching credential in California.
California offers Preliminary Credentials for new teachers and Clear Credentials once additional requirements are met.
What are the requirements for California teacher credentialing?
The specific requirements for teacher credentialing in California vary depending on the type of credential and the subject or grade level you wish to teach.
In general, California teachers must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program.
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or alternative).
- Demonstrate subject-matter competence (CSET or approved preparation program).
- Complete a background check with fingerprinting.
For more detailed information, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
What are the steps to get a teaching credential in California?
California offers four main pathways to a teaching credential: Traditional, Residency, Integrated Undergraduate, and Intern.
You can also transfer a teaching credential from another state through a process called out-of-state credentialing, also known as reciprocity.
There are many paths to a teaching credential in California. For more detailed information, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
How do I maintain my California teaching credential?
Specific renewal requirements in California vary depending on the credential type. Preliminary Credentials must transition to Clear Credentials within five years, which often involves completing an Induction Program or equivalent. Clear Credentials must be renewed every five years. For details regarding your specific credentials, visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website.
How long does it take to become a credentialed teacher in California?
The timeline to become a credentialed teacher in California can vary depending on your educational background, the specific credentialing path you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than education, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
How much do California teachers make?
California teachers are the highest paid in the U.S., with an average annual salary of $95,150, according to the National Education Association. California teacher salaries depend on multiple factors, including experience, education, subject area, grade level, and school district.
The average starting salary for a California teacher is $55,283, according to the NEA.
It’s worth noting these salaries typically reflect around 10 months of work, as teachers have summers off as well as some time off during the school year.
Those who pursue a master’s in education (M.Ed.) can often make more money as well.
How much money can I make starting out as a California teacher?
The average starting salary for a California teacher is $55,283, according to the National Education Association. That’s No. 4 in the nation.
Starting salaries for California teachers vary depending on the school district, education level, teaching experience, subject area, and grade level.
How can I learn more about becoming a credentialed teacher in California?
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is a great resource to learn more about teacher credentials and teaching and education in general in The Golden State.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online EPP.