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.  

A man’s hands are seen hovering above a laptop, the screen is digitally illuminated to show an online course.

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.  

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