How to Get a Teaching Credential in California
California is home to more than 1,000 public school districts that enroll more than
5.8 million students. More than 300,000 teachers work in the state’s public K-12 schools.
Like many other states, California has a teacher shortage. To meet the state’s need
for teachers, California has invested more than a billion dollars since 2021 to increase
its teacher supply. Prospective educators can help meet the state’s demand by learning how to get a teaching credential in California. The process starts with a state-approved, advanced education degree program.
What Is a Teaching Credential, and Why Do You Need It?
A teaching credential demonstrates that an educator has met their state’s requirements
to teach in public schools. Also known as a teaching license or teaching certification,
a teaching credential requires candidates to meet educational, experience, and competence
requirements. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues teaching
credentials in the Golden State.
At a minimum, California teachers need a bachelor’s degree. In California, 63% of
public K-12 teachers hold a master’s degree or higher, according to 2020-21 data from the National Teacher and Principal Survey
(NTPS). Earning a master’s degree in Education typically takes around two years.
Types of Teaching Credentials
The type of teaching credential that an educator needs depends on their teaching area
and experience. California issues teaching credentials based on specialty. The state
also issues preliminary credentials that allow educators to meet the requirements
for a clear credential.
Teaching Credential Areas
California issues different teaching credentials for elementary education and secondary
education teachers. The state also issues an education specialist credential for special
education.
Multiple Subject
Elementary school teachers earn a teaching credential for multiple subjects. This
credential allows the teaching of different subjects in one classroom.
California recently introduced an early childhood education specialist credential
that allows educators to teach at the prekindergarten through third grade level.
Single Subject
Middle school and high school teachers usually get a single-subject teaching credential.
This allows them to focus on teaching one specific subject.
The State of California’s credentialing areas include core subjects, such as English,
mathematics, science, and social science. Educators can also pursue a credential in
areas such as art, music, physical education, world languages, and other specialized
areas.
Education Specialist
Special education teachers in California earn the education specialist credential,
which allows educators to teach all subjects.
Credentialed special educators can further specialize their credential in areas such
as early childhood special education, mild-to-moderate support needs, or extensive
support needs.
Preliminary vs. Clear Credential
California issues a preliminary credential to new educators that’s valid for five
years. While holding a preliminary credential, educators typically complete a two-year
induction program that provides training and mentorship during their early years in
the classroom.
Educators with a preliminary credential can advance to a clear credential after completing
the induction program. Earning board certification from the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards (NBPTS) also meets the requirement for a clear credential.
Teaching Credential Requirements in California
Candidates for a teaching credential in California submit an application and required
materials to the CTC. Teacher preparation programs assist learners as they meet the
state’s credential requirements.
Educators must meet the requirements below to get a teaching credential in California.
Teacher Preparation Training
The educational requirements for a teaching credential in California include at least
a bachelor’s degree and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
The program must cover core topics, such as developing English language skills, educational
technology, and health education.
Many candidates meet this requirement by earning a bachelor’s degree in Education. People
with a bachelor’s degree in another major can join a postbaccalaureate teacher preparation
program. They can also enroll in a master’s program for initial licensure. California also offers alternative pathways to a teaching
credential, including residencies, internships, and apprenticeships.
Student Teaching Experience
Candidates for a teaching credential in California must complete student teaching
requirements and meet classroom teaching performance standards. California requires
600 hours of student teaching experience to get a teaching credential.
Teacher preparation programs incorporate student teaching and a performance assessment
into their curriculum. Student teachers complete a teacher performance assessment
to measure their instructional design, student assessment, and teaching skills. Educator
preparation programs submit a recommendation to the CTC for candidates who meet the
state’s performance assessment standards.
Credentialing Exams
California requires educators to demonstrate their subject matter competence, typically by
passing credentialing exams. The required exams differ based on the candidate’s credential
type and preparation. For example, single-subject credentials require passing scores
on one of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET).
Recent legislation allows candidates for teaching credentials to use their college
degree or coursework to demonstrate their competence. For example, as of 2025, teachers
with a bachelor’s or higher don’t need to take the California Basic Educational Skills
Test (CBEST), according to EdSource.
Other Requirements
Additional requirements for a teaching credential in California include fingerprinting
and a background check. Teachers must either pass a test or take a class about the U.S. Constitution to get
their credentials.
Meet Teaching Credential Requirements at Notre Dame de Namur University
To get a teaching credential in California, you have options. The School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) can help you meet the state’s requirements.
NDNU, an accredited university, offers one-year postbaccalaureate teacher preparation
programs for single-subject and multiple-subject credentials.
Prospective educators can also meet licensure requirements with a Master of Arts (MA) in Education or an MA in Special Education degree. The CTC has approved all these programs to prepare educators for a teaching
credential.
Prospective California teachers also benefit from flexible hybrid and online enrollment
options. The Credentials Office at NDNU supports students throughout the credentialing
process. Contact the School of Education today to learn more about enrolling in a
teacher credentialing program. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our Admissions
team.
Sources:
California Department of Education, Fingertip Facts on Education in California
California Department of Education, Getting Credentialed and Finding a Job
California Educator Credentialing Assessments, Assessments
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Becoming a Teacher in California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Education Specialist Instruction Credential Quick
Facts
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Performance Assessment
Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Teaching Credentials Requirements
EdSource, “What You Need to Know to Become a Teacher in California: Quick Guide”
Teach California, Elementary Credential Requirements