Special Education Credential Requirements (California prepared)
To teach special education in California, you must have the Education Specialist Instruction Credential
. It
authorizes the holder to teach in the area of specialization and in a variety of settings listed on the credential. All teaching credentials in California are obtained through a
two-level process, beginning with the preliminary credential and resulting in the clear credential. School districts may also look for other related qualifications and experience.
California has a two-level process to obtain a clear special education teaching credential
A preliminary credential is valid for only five years. The following requirements must be met to obtain the preliminary credential:
- Obtain a baccalaureate degree
- Satisfy the basic skills requirement
- Satisfy the subject-matter competence requirement *
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
- Complete a course or pass an examination on the U.S. Constitution
- Complete a Commission-approved Education Specialist Instruction Credential program
(Effective: April 1, 2017) to meet this requirement for the special education and elementary teaching credential
To obtain a clear credential, you must complete one of the following options before the preliminary credential expires
-
Complete a Commission-approved teacher induction program
and submit the application for the clear credential through the Induction program sponsor. Program sponsors are often public or private
colleges/universities, and school districts.
-
Obtain a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification
Other Credential Options
An intern program is an alternative path to a preliminary credential.
If you have a baccalaureate degree and have met other requirements, you may be eligible for an
intern program
where you complete the necessary coursework and are employed as a special education teacher at the same time. Our
Find the Right Preparation Program page identifies California specific
information you should know prior to selecting an intern teacher preparation program.
If you already have a special education credential, you may want to add an
authorization.
If you already have a general education California teaching credential, you may want to
add another credential or authorization.
If you are already credentialed in another state or country, you should visit the My Career Plan section.
Learn more. Read our Teach Special Education brochure for more information.