Paths to a Credential and Basic Skills Requirements
Pathways to Teach
How to become a teacher in California
explains the variety of
routes you can take to become a California teacher. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is the state agency that approves
teacher preparation programs and grants credentials.
Basic skills requirements to earn a California teaching credential:
- Obtain a baccalaureate degree
- Satisfy the basic skills requirement
- Satisfy the subject-matter competence requirement
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) *
- Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills including reading instruction requirement
- Complete a course or pass an examination on the U.S. Constitution
- Complete a foundational computer technology course
- Complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program for the desired credential
* For multiple subject teaching credentials and education specialist instruction credentials
Teacher Credential Requirements — Specific Information
- Requirements for Elementary
- Requirements for Secondary (High School)
- Requirements for Special Education
We can make it simple with a Career Plan and checklist based on your unique circumstances.