Frequently Asked Questions – Becoming a California Teacher

Unlike adding Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credentials to an existing credential, special education is more complicated and requires that you speak with an academic advisor based at the college or university you wish to attend. Visit our Find the Right Preparation Program page for helpful information as you choose the teacher preparation program that meets your needs.

School districts hire sign language interpreters to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing students in California public schools. No credential or permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is required in order to be a sign language interpreter, but one must meet the employment requirements of the school district. A high school diploma, background check, and other items are typically required. Check with the school district's Personnel Office for details. Find school district contact information at the California School Directory provided by the California Department of Education.

A professional license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs is required to work in public schools as a physical therapist.

Read about special education and the credential requirements on our Teach Students with Disabilities in California page.

This Teach Special Education (Brochure) will answer many of your questions.

While a mathematics degree is not required, you must be able to demonstrate subject-matter competency, or in-depth knowledge of what you will be teaching. This generally requires advanced coursework in a subject area. However, you may also show competency by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Foundational-Level Mathematics or Mathematics.

A credential is a state license required for teaching in K-12 public schools, issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). There are two mathematics credentials: Foundational-Level Mathematics which allows you to teach general math, algebra, geometry, consumer math, and probability and statistics, but not Advanced Placement courses, and Single Subject Mathematics which allows you to teach any mathematics course. Additionally, there are a number of authorizations for the teaching of mathematics one can add to an existing California teaching credential designed to broaden the teaching pool. Credentials are issued to applicants upon the completion of an approved teacher preparation program. See our Find the Right Preparation Program web page for assistance. Individuals with out-of-state credentials, teaching experience at regionally accredited private schools, or National Board Certification may apply directly to the CTC.

While a science degree is not required, you must be able to demonstrate subject-matter competency, or in-depth knowledge of what you will be teaching. This generally requires advanced coursework in a subject area. However, you may also show competency by passing the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in Foundational-Level General Science or Science. Read what is needed to prepare to Teach Science in California.

Credentials are issued to applicants upon completion of a Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved teacher preparation program. See our Find the Right Preparation Program for specific California tips and help.

Individuals with out-of-state credentials, teaching experience at regionally accredited private schools, or National Board Certification may apply directly to the CTC.

Learn more about the requirements to Teach Science in California

A credential is a state license required for teaching in K-12 public schools, issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

There are two science credentials: 1) Foundational-Level General Science which allows you to teach introductory (General, Life, or Physical) or integrated science (K-8) courses; and 2) Single Subject Science which allows for advanced courses in the designated subject area (Biological Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geosciences), and introductory or integrated science (K-12) courses.

Credentials are issued to applicants upon completion of an approved teacher preparation program. See many helpful tips at Find the Right Preparation Program. Individuals with out-of-state credentials, teaching experience at regionally accredited private schools, or National Board Certification may apply directly to the CTC.

In order to teach, you must obtain a teaching credential; a master's degree is not sufficient. Successful completion of a teacher preparation program is required. You can easily locate teacher preparation programs by visiting our Find the Right Preparation Program. In most cases, the applicant for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools of California must verify basic skills proficiency before the credential, certificate, or permit will be issued. See the other CBEST FAQ for more information.

The CBEST stands for the California Basic Educational Skills Test. As required by law, this test is used to assess and verify proficiency in mathematics, reading, and writing skills. It does not have an expiration date. Please note that passing the CBEST is just one way to satisfy the basic skills requirement. Other options are explained in the Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s leaflet on the basic skills requirements.

Child Development Permits are available at various levels. Each level has one or more ways to qualify. Individuals must meet all of the requirements listed in one of the available options.

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the state agency with the authority to grant these permits, answers this and many more questions on their Web site.

School districts hire instructional aides or paraeducators to assist credentialed teachers. There is no credential or permit needed from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to become a paraeducator but one must meet the employment requirements of that school district. A high school diploma and a background check are typically required, as well as other items. Check with the school district's Personnel Office for details. All California school districts are listed in the California Department of Education’s California School Directory.

Some school districts provide paraeducator career ladder programs that help paraeducators obtain their credential. Check out the California School Employees Association Website. They can provide support to paraeducators.

Read our Paraeducator brochure, for information on how to become a special educator, including how to find financial aid. Browse our Web site for credential requirements, starting a Career Plan, and more.

Alternative certification programs prepare individuals who already have work experience and coursework in the subject area, or wish to stay employed while pursuing a career change. Participants work as paid teachers during the day and attend classes at night, on weekends, and during school breaks.

CTC-approved intern programs are one type of alternative certification option. This pathway to teaching can be stressful, but rewarding: The Exhausting Life of a First Year Science Teacher: What It’s Like to Teach While Learning to Teach, The Atlantic.

See Find the Right Preparation Program for more details and helpful tips.

No, you do not need a Master’s degree. You must meet the credential requirements set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

You can earn a Master’s degree while earning your credential or after. Some people choose to get a Master’s degree, partly because it can increase a teacher’s salary.

A California teaching credential is made up of two tiers or parts. The first part, the preliminary credential, takes about 2 years to complete. The second part, the clear credential, takes about another 2 years to complete.

A clear teaching credential is granted when all the requirements, set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, are met. Learn more at https://www.ctc.ca.gov...

You are in luck. The federal government has funded programs throughout the state that provide financial and academic support for future special educators. Many Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved teacher preparation programs have obtained federal tuition stipends for their students. Check with your desired teacher preparation program for that information. See our Find the Right Preparation Program for special California tips and links to approved teacher preparation programs.

After you get a preliminary teaching credential, you need to clear it by completing an approved Induction Program. Find a list of approved programs here https://www.ctc.ca.gov....

As of July 9, 2021, the new rule allows incoming teachers to meet the subject matter competency requirement if they have completed an academic major in the subject they will teach. For Single Subject credentials, the major must be in one of the subjects of single subject credential defined in statute. For Multiple Subject credentials, the major must be in liberal studies or an interdisciplinary major that addresses all the content areas of the Multiple Subject credential. For Education Specialists the major must meet the Multiple Subject requirements or be in a subject aligned to authorized CSET examination content areas used for an Education Specialist credential. Read the press release: https://www.ctc.ca.gov....

Blended programs are designed for individuals without a baccalaureate degree. These programs, which typically begin in the junior year, include a five-semester curriculum sequence of subject matter content courses, education courses, and student teaching experiences.

Find out more at the Find the Right Preparation Program web page.

Approved teaching preparation programs are programs that have been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), the state agency responsible for accrediting teacher preparation programs and grants credentials.

To find out helpful California specific tips and teacher preparation program information, see the Find the Right Preparation Program.

Along with in-depth content knowledge, successful teaching requires an understanding of curriculum development, instructional methods, assessment techniques, and classroom management. Teacher preparation programs provide a carefully designed sequence of courses and experiences that will teach you how to teach.

To find out more, see the Find the Right Preparation Program web page.

A recent scholarship program might help you become a teacher. Read the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Scholarship Program for details. See the other "Paraeducator" FAQs for more information.

No. If you are from another state in the United States of America, you could research all the federal scholarships, grants, or loans. We have compiled a list of What's Available If You Are from Another State.

Yes, Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

See our Find Financial Aid web page for more valuable information.

Looking for teaching positions in California is easy. Just log on to the EdJoin Web site, which can be found in our Find a Teaching Job section, and conduct your own search of jobs, using any combination of variables.