Frequently Asked Questions – Becoming a California Teacher
A California credential is required to teach in California public schools. The California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
(CTC)
sets teacher preparation standards, approves teacher preparation programs, and grants three types of teaching credentials as well
as other credentials and related documents.
Major categories are listed with the common questions and answers.
High School Student
Career Plan
I want to make a detailed plan to become a teacher. Help!
We have a helpful tool for you! You can make a personal career plan that will get you pointed in the right direction!
that will get you pointed in the right direction!College Degrees
Do I need to get a college degree before becoming a teacher?
Yes. Typically, college students complete their bauchelaurate (4-year) degree and then begin a teacher preparation program. There are also other types of teacher preparation programs, such as dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment programs, residency, and internships.
.
What degree should I get in college in order to be a teacher?
Good question! The degree you get depends on what subject you want to teach. For example, if you want to teach elementary school, you may want to study liberal studies. To teach middle or high school, you may want to get a degree in the subject you want to teach (such as mathematics). To teach special education, you'd need a 4-year degree. For more details, please create a personal career plan and talk with a school counselor.
and talk with a school counselor. Considering Teaching
Do Califoria Community Colleges have teacher preparation programs?
Some public schools have partnered with local community colleges to create dual or concurrent enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit as part of an alternative education option. You might want to start out by talking with your school counselor.
that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit as part of an alternative education option. You might want to start out by talking with your school counselor.
How can I get some experience to see what teaching is really like?
Try volunteering in classrooms for different grades, tutoring, or mentoring students. Check out service learning activities and consider volunteering with local education foundations.
I'm a high school student, and I want to be a teacher. I'm not sure what subject I want to teach. How can I decide what type of teaching I want to do?
Think about if you want to teach young children (preschool through 6th grade) or if you want to teach specific subjects, like English or geography, to older children. Perhaps you'd like to teach children with special needs? Check out our What is Teaching Really Like page for interviews with teachers who share their stories about the profession. This might give you some ideas!
page for interviews with teachers who share their stories about the profession. This might give you some ideas!Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
You might want to start by talking with your school's career counselor. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.
for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.Teacher Preparation
How can I figure out what college I want to attend in order to become a teacher?
You might want to start out by talking with your school counselor. You can also research which colleges or schools near you have approved teacher preparation programs. You can confirm that the programs are state-approved by double-checking that they're listed on the official California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. Make a list of colleges you might want to attend and then research their requirements.
. Make a list of colleges you might want to attend and then research their requirements.
Where can I learn more about getting a special education credential?
Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website to read their leaflet.
to read their leaflet.College Student
Career Plan
I want to make a detailed plan to become a teacher. Help!
We have a helpful tool for you! You can make a personal career plan that will get you pointed in the right direction!
that will get you pointed in the right direction!College Degrees
What degree should I get in college in order to be a teacher?
Good question! The degree you should get depends on what subject you want to teach. For example, if you want to teach elementary school, you may want to study liberal studies. To teach middle or high school, you may want to get a degree in the subject you want to teach (e.g., mathematics). For more details, please create a personal career plan.
. Considering Teaching
Do I need to get a 4-year degree to become a teacher?
Yes. Plan to complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
How can I get some experience to see what teaching is really like?
Try volunteering in classrooms for different grades, tutoring, or mentoring students. Check out service learning activities and consider volunteering with local education foundations.
I'm a college student and I want to be a teacher, but I'm not sure what subject I want to teach. How can I decide what type of teaching I want to do?
Think about if you want to teach young children (preschool through 6th grade) or if you want to teach specific subjects, like English or geography, to older children. Perhaps you'd like to teach children with special needs? Check out our What is Teaching Really Like page for interviews with teachers who share their stories about the profession. This might give you some ideas!
page for interviews with teachers who share their stories about the profession. This might give you some ideas!Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit the [Federal Student Aid website] (https://studentaid.gov...) for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.
) for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.Skills and Tests
What are the basic skills requirements to become a teacher?
There are various ways to meet the basic skills requirements website. You can verify knowledge of the subject you want to teach by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two.
website. You can verify knowledge of the subject you want to teach by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two.Teacher Preparation
Do I need to do anything after I get my preliminary teaching credential?
After obtaining a preliminary credential, your next step is to contact an approved induction program, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
What is teacher induction?
After obtaining a preliminary credential, your next step is to contact an approved induction program, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
What kind of teacher preparation program will I need to complete in order to teach elementary school?
You'll need to complete a California [multiple subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-560C)) including successful student teaching.
-(CL-560C)) including successful student teaching.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach special education?
You'll need to complete a [California education specialist teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach specific subjects in middle or high school?
You'll need to complete a [California single subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching.
-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching.
Where can I learn more details about the various types of teaching credentials in California?
Visit the California Commission on Teaching Credentials site and check out their roadmaps to teaching.
. Changing Careers
Career Plan
I have a credential from another state. What do I need to do in order to teach in California?
You can start by creating a personal career plan for out-of-state teachers.
for out-of-state teachers.
I want to change my career to become a teacher. What do I need to do next?
We have a helpful tool for you! You can make a personal career plan that will get you pointed in the right direction!
that will get you pointed in the right direction!Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit the [Federal Student Aid] website (https://studentaid.gov...) for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.
) for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.Jobs
Are there teaching jobs? How can I learn more about employment opportunities?
Yes! There is a general teacher shortage, with specific teaching vacancies varying across rural and urban districts. Learn more about teaching jobs in California!
in California!Skills and Tests
Do I need to pass tests or take classes to prove that I know my subject well?
Yes. This is referred to as meeting the 'basic skills requirement.' You can verify your knowledge of the subject to be taught by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two. [Learn more!](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-667))
-(cl-667))
What are the basic skills requirements to become a teacher?
There are various ways to meet the [basic skills requirements](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-667)), as shown on the California Commission on Teaching Credentials (CTC) website. You can verify knowledge of the subject to be taught by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two.
-(cl-667)), as shown on the California Commission on Teaching Credentials (CTC) website. You can verify knowledge of the subject to be taught by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two.Teacher Preparation
Do I need to do anything after I get my preliminary teaching credential?
Yes, California has a two-tier credentialing process, which involves clearing one's credential through an induction program.
.
What is teacher induction?
After obtaining a preliminary credential, your next step is to contact an approved induction program, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
What kind of teacher preparation program will I need to complete in order to teach elementary school?
You'll need to complete a California [multiple subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-561c)) including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
-(cl-561c)) including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach special education?
You'll need to complete a [California education specialist teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach special education?
You'll need to complete a [California education specialist teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach specific subjects in middle or high school?
You'll need to complete a [California single subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach specific subjects in middle or high school?
You'll need to complete a [California single subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
Where can I learn more details about the various types of teaching credentials in California?
Visit the California Commission on Teaching Credentials site and check out their roadmaps to teaching.
.
Will my job experience help me become a teacher?
It depends. Please contact the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for a personal consultation. Be sure to have documentation of your employment available as evidence of your employment experience.
. Be sure to have documentation of your employment available as evidence of your employment experience.Out-of-State Teacher
Credentials
How do I obtain a Clear Credential?
Your requirements for obtaining a Clear Credential will vary depending on how many years of teaching experience you have completed outside California.
will vary depending on how many years of teaching experience you have completed outside California.
To whom should I submit my documentation to apply for a teaching credential in California?
You'd submit your documentation to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
.
What are the requirements for special education teachers who were prepared out-of-state?
Visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing site to learn about the requirements for teaching special education.
.
What is a reciprocity agreement and can it help me teach if my credential is from another state?
A reciprocity agreement the teaching license or certification issued by another state. The goal is to make it easier for certified teachers to move and work across state lines without having to start the licensing process from scratch.
the teaching license or certification issued by another state. The goal is to make it easier for certified teachers to move and work across state lines without having to start the licensing process from scratch.
What is a reciprocity agreement and can it help me teach if my credential is from another state?
A reciprocity agreement the teaching license or certification issued by another state. The goal is to make it easier for certified teachers to move and work across state lines without having to start the licensing process from scratch.
the teaching license or certification issued by another state. The goal is to make it easier for certified teachers to move and work across state lines without having to start the licensing process from scratch.
Where can I learn more about reciprocity agreements?
Visit the reciprocity page of our site to learn more.
of our site to learn more.Out-of-Country Teacher
Credentials
I was prepared to teach outside of the United States. How can I become a teacher in California?
Learn about the [requirements for people prepared outside of the U.S.](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-870)) on the California Commission on Teaching Credentials website.
-(cl-870)) on the California Commission on Teaching Credentials website.
Where can I learn more about becoming a teacher in California?
Visit our Credential/License from Another Country page to learn how to prove eligibility for a California teaching credential, how to apply for a new document, and more.
page to learn how to prove eligibility for a California teaching credential, how to apply for a new document, and more. Former California Teacher
Credentials
I want to renew my Clear Credential. I was teaching when it expired. What should I do?
Depending on your situation, you may want to apply to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for a one-time, two-year extension of a Clear Credential or apply to [renew your Clear Credential]https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-494)).
-(cl-494)).
I was teaching in California when my credential expired. What should I do?
You will need to complete all of the requirements of the credential you are seeking. Contact the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for [individual consultation](https://educatortools....*13aie3i*_ga*MTg3NzMyMy4xNzI3ODQxOTM5*_ga_8L1GC3E1C3*czE3NjIzNjYxMjMkbzI0JGcxJHQxNzYyMzY2NTQ0JGo0NSRsMCRoMA..). Have your credential and college documents as evidence.
*13aie3i*_ga*MTg3NzMyMy4xNzI3ODQxOTM5*_ga_8L1GC3E1C3*czE3NjIzNjYxMjMkbzI0JGcxJHQxNzYyMzY2NTQ0JGo0NSRsMCRoMA..). Have your credential and college documents as evidence.Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit the Federal Student Aid website for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.
for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.Paraeducator
Career Plan
I have worked as a paraeducator and want to become a teacher. What do I need to do?
Great! Please make a Career Plan to help you plan your next steps.
to help you plan your next steps. Classes
Are there certain classes I should take before entering a teacher preparation program?
Yes. Typically, college students complete their baccalaureate degree and then begin a teacher preparation program. There are also other types of teacher preparation programs, such as dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment programs, residency, and internships.
Credentials
Where can I learn more details about the various types of teaching credentials in California?
Visit the California Commission on Teaching Credentials site and check out their roadmaps to teaching.
. Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit the Federal Student Aid website for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.
for each state's deadlines to apply. Then, apply online.Skills and Tests
Do I need to pass tests or take classes to prove that I know my subject well?
Yes. This is referred to as meeting the 'basic skills requirement.' You can verify your knowledge of the subject to be taught by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two. [Learn more!](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-667))
-(cl-667))
What are the basic skills requirements to become a teacher?
There are various ways to meet the [basic skills requirements](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-667)), as shown on the California Commission on Teaching Credentials (CTC) website. You can verify knowledge of the subject to be taught by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two.
-(cl-667)), as shown on the California Commission on Teaching Credentials (CTC) website. You can verify knowledge of the subject to be taught by completing the required test or coursework, or a combination of the two.Teacher Preparation
Do I need to do anything after I get my preliminary teaching credential?
Yes, California has a two-tier credentialing process, which involves clearing one's credential through an induction program.
.
What is teacher induction?
After obtaining a preliminary credential, your next step is to contact an approved induction program, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
, which leads to a clear credential. During this stage, you will do your student teaching and continue your development as a teacher. Induction programs vary in length, but often take about two years to complete while working as a teacher.
What kind of teacher preparation program will I need to complete in order to teach elementary school?
You'll need to complete a California multiple subject teacher preparation program including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
What kind of teacher preparation program will I need to complete in order to teach elementary school?
You'll need to complete a [California multiple subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(cl-561c)) including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
-(cl-561c)) including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach special education?
You'll need to complete a [California education specialist teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach special education?
You'll need to complete a [California education specialist teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
-(CL-808CA)), including successful student teaching.
What type of teacher preparation program will I need in order to teach specific subjects in middle or high school?
You'll need to complete a [California single subject teacher preparation program](https://www.ctc.ca.gov...-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.
-(CL-560C)), including successful student teaching, and obtain the formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed.