239581 - Teaching Credentials

California has a two-tiered credential system. Once your application packet is evaluated, if you are granted a preliminary document, it will list what requirements you would need to earn the clear credential. For more information about obtaining a Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential, click on one of the links below:  

Single Subject Teaching Credential requirements for those prepared out of state: Single Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared Out-of-State (CL-560)  

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential requirements for individuals prepared out of state: Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (CL-561) 

Please review the appropriate leaflet to determine whether you should apply under Route 1 or under Route 2 requirements.  

If this is your initial application and you are applying directly to the Commission for a Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential based on out-of-state preparation, you must submit a direct online application and upload the required supporting documents. If you have not already, you will need to create an online educator account by following the steps outlined in the following link: Create Account and obtain your fingerprint clearance specifically for the Commission. 

ROUTE 1: Less than two years of out-of-state teaching experience

• Fingerprint Information (click this link to review the requirements of an out-of-state application for their fingerprints).

• Official Transcripts showing the conferral of a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution: 

  • Submitting paper transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations: Upload a scan of the original, official paper transcripts or foreign transcript evaluation. Clear photographs will also be accepted. All pages, front and back, must be included in the upload. 

  • Submitting electronic transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations: Upload the original file sent to you by the college, transcript services provider, or foreign transcript evaluation agency.

• Online application processing fee.

• Scanned copy, image, or screenshot of your full, professional-level teaching license from another state showing a comparable teaching authorization to the California credential requested. 

ROUTE 2: Two or more years of out-of-state teaching experience

• All items listed in Route 1 above plus the following: 

• Verification of two or more years of teaching experience: 

• Must be on official letterhead from school/school district 

• Must state experience was FULL-TIME  

• Must show beginning and ending dates of hire

• Must be signed by Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or HR director
  

• Must be a scanned copy of an original letter or an electronic PDF with a wet ink signature or an acceptable electronic signature. Screenshots are not acceptable. 

• 2 Summative Annual Performance Evaluations or a Supplemental Evaluation Letter 

Option 1 - Two summative annual performance evaluations: 

• Must be rated Satisfactory (or equivalent) or better, or the state's equivalent
• Must correspond to at least two years of the verified experience in the letter
• OKAY to provide scanned copies or an electronic PDF are acceptable, but screenshots are not acceptable
• Must be summative year-end evaluations. We cannot accept single classroom observations, self-reflections, or letters of recommendation. 

Option 2 - A supplemental evaluation letter: 

• Letter must verify applicant satisfactorily met these four professional teaching standards: 
1. The use of teaching strategies that motivate all student to engage in the learning process. 
2. The ability to establish and maintain high standards for student behavior. 
3. A demonstration of deep knowledge of the subject being taught and the use of appropriate instructional strategies that promote student understanding. 
4. An ability to plan and implement a sequence of appropriate instructional activities. 
• Must be on official school or district letterhead
• Must be signed by an administrator
• The supplemental evaluation letter must be a scanned copy of an original letter or an electronic PDF with a wet ink signature or an acceptable electronic signature. Screenshots are not acceptable

When your application packet is ready, please submit an online application through your educator account; see the following link(s) for more information: Apply for a New Document and Direct Application Submission. Additional information including checklists and instructions on how to apply can be located on our website: Direct Online Submission of Applications for Out-of-State Prepared Educators.

Note regarding online application processing timeline: online applications submitted through the CTC Online account are typically processed within 50 business days, providing that no additional background or professional fitness review is required. 

If you are completing fingerprint cards, please submit your direct online application first. After paying for your online application, you will receive a confirmation email that states your unique 10-digit "Stamp Number" at the top of the email. Write your Stamp Number on a cover letter and mail it with your completed fingerprint cards and $49 fingerprint processing fee (check or money order, payable to 'CTC') to the address listed below to ensure your fingerprints are paired with your online application. *We cannot pair your fingerprint cards and online application together without the corresponding Stamp Number.*

May Lee State Office Complex

Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Division of Licensure Certification

651 Bannon Street, Suite 601

Sacramento, CA 95811