The Basics

To earn any California teaching credential the following requirements must be met:

Bachelor's Degree or higher from a regionally accredited university
Teacher preparation program (credential program, including student teaching)
Click here to find a teacher preparation program
Basic Skills Requirement
Click here to find test preparation programs
Developing English Language Skills (reading instruction course)*
U.S. Constitution course*
Subject matter competency
Subject matter (CSET )
Subject matter program (major)
Computer technology course
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA )—for multiple subject and education specialist credential only

If you hold or are qualified to hold a credential in another state , you may be able to apply for a preliminary credential.

Not sure what grade level to teach? Gain experience by substitute teaching!

*For multiple-subject and single-subject credential only

California has a two-tier credential structure.

A five-year preliminary credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements.

A Clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed.

Last Updated: October 29, 2009