Credential/License from Another Country
Immigrating to the United States is an opportunity to use your international training to either advance in your field or pursue a new career that builds on your education and experience. We encourage you to explore the various career pathways available so you can consider your options. Because teaching in California usually involves obtaining a certificate or license, it is especially important to fully understand and consider your options.
California has a two-tier teaching credential. The preliminary credential, valid for five years, is the first document issued after an out-of-country prepared individual has met the basic credential requirements, which includes a baccalaureate degree and teacher preparation.
The clear credential, valid for five years, is issued after all credential requirements have been met, including induction teaching and professional development experiences.
If you have completed a teacher preparation program outside the United States, you are eligible for a preliminary credential if you meet the requirements and provide:
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Foreign transcript evaluation
showing completion
of an undergraduate or higher degree from a college or university equivalent to a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
-
Foreign transcript evaluation showing completion
of a professional preparation program including student teaching.
- Proof of comparable teaching credential.
should submit a paper application following the instructions on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing Website. The Commission is the state
agency that grants teaching credentials.
Each type of California credential is listed below for those teachers prepared outside of the United States:
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Explore various career pathways available to Internationally Trained Educators in the United States.
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Providing bilingual instruction, foreign language instruction, or cultural enrichment only? You may qualify for a
Sojourn Certificated Employee Credential.
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Promoting cross-cultural exchanges, or understanding and respect between California teachers and foreign teachers? You may be
eligible for the Exchange Visitor Program for Teachers.
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Obtaining an Eminence Credential?
Your employing agency must apply on your behalf.
- Completing some needed coursework at a California teacher preparation program? View our page designed to help you Find the Right Preparation Program.
Important Note:
While bilingual abilities are beneficial, the ability to read, write, speak and understand English is required. You must be legally eligible
to work in the United States. (This means that you must be a: U.S.citizen, or a legal resident with a Social Security Number or an Individual
Tax Identification Number). Browse the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website for details.