Fast-Track Your California Preliminary Teaching Credential
What is the fastest way to get a teaching credential in California? For those with a bachelor’s degree, an intern credential may provide one of the quickest routes into the classroom. Instead of completing an entire preparation program before getting a teaching job, qualified interns can work as paid teachers while finishing coursework and other requirements to earn a California Preliminary Teaching Credential.
How Fast Can You Get a Teaching Credential in California?
The timeline for a California teaching credential depends on the preparation program and the credential type. The path to earning the fastest teaching credential is also affected by any requirements a candidate has already completed.
A traditional post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program may take about one to two years. Candidates may need additional time if they must still establish subject matter competency or complete prerequisite coursework.
An intern pathway does not necessarily eliminate preparation requirements. However, it allows qualified candidates to enter the profession sooner by working as teachers while completing the credential program. You may finish your preliminary credential in 12 months.
The Intern Program: One of the Fastest Ways to Teaching Credentials in CA
The state’s intern teacher credentialing program allows qualified candidates to accept a teaching position while simultaneously completing credential coursework.
Intern credential candidates must first enroll in a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved preparation program. Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) is approved to provide intern pathways for its Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Single Subject Teaching Credential programs.
The intern route has its own set of challenges and requires a significant level of commitment. Interns must balance the workload involved in leading a classroom with the time needed to complete their studies. They are also subject to supervision by both their preparation program and employer. Any change in their employment can disrupt their progress because their eligibility for the intern pathway is connected to their teaching position.
How the Intern Credential Process Works
Candidates begin by applying to a commission-approved teacher preparation program and confirming that they meet the program’s intern eligibility requirements. The process generally includes the following steps.
- Meet initial eligibility requirements. Candidates typically must hold a bachelor’s degree, meet the program’s basic skills requirement (California currently considers a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution sufficient), demonstrate subject matter competency, complete the required pre-service preparation, and obtain the appropriate character and identification clearance.
- Secure an eligible teaching position. The candidate must obtain a position in the appropriate credential area. The employing school district and university work together to support and supervise the intern.
- Receive an intern credential recommendation. The university recommends the eligible candidate for the intern credential. This authorizes employment while the candidate completes the approved preparation program.
- Complete the credential program. During the internship, candidates complete required courses, fieldwork, and performance assessments.
- Qualify for a Preliminary Teaching Credential. After the candidate successfully completes the program and all state requirements, the university can recommend them for a California Preliminary Teaching Credential.
Can You Get Paid While Completing Your Credential?
A teacher working under an intern credential is employed as the teacher of record and earns a teacher’s salary. Unlike a traditional student teacher, an intern is responsible for an assigned classroom. Salary schedules and employment terms vary by school district.
Requirements That Can Speed Up—or Delay—Your Teaching Credential
Some candidates who enter a credential program may have already completed requirements through their bachelor’s degree or previous college coursework. Others may need additional courses and testing.
Identifying those requirements early on can make the difference between moving directly into a credential sequence and losing a semester while waiting for records, test results, or clearances. Common sources of delay include:
- Waiting too long to order official transcripts
- Assuming a degree automatically satisfies subject matter requirements
- Choosing the wrong credential type
- Delaying fingerprinting or the Certificate of Clearance
- Missing program deadlines for student teaching or intern teaching
- Postponing required examinations or performance assessments
- Waiting until a teaching position becomes available to review intern eligibility
Start With a Transcript Evaluation
An early transcript evaluation shows which requirements a candidate has satisfied and which remain outstanding. Candidates should request official transcripts from every college or university they have attended and submit them early enough for a complete review. This can prevent unnecessary testing or coursework while also identifying missing requirements.
Determine How You Will Meet Subject Matter Requirements
California teaching credential candidates must demonstrate competency in the subject or subjects they plan to teach. Candidates can satisfy this requirement in a variety of ways. Options include completing a qualifying degree major or a commission-approved subject matter program, earning a passing score on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, or using an approved combination of coursework and examinations.
Complete Intern Eligibility Requirements Early
Candidates should begin clearance and pre-service requirements as early as possible. Intern eligibility generally requires a bachelor’s degree, verification of basic skills and subject matter competency, character and identification clearance, and at least 120 hours of pre-service preparation. NDNU candidates must complete the designated foundation requirements and receive program approval before beginning intern teaching.
Multiple Subject vs. Single Subject: Which Path Is Right for You?
A Multiple Subject Credential is associated with classrooms in which one teacher teaches several subjects. A Single Subject Credential is associated with teaching a particular subject in a departmentalized setting. Choosing the correct credential type early can prevent unnecessary delays involving extra coursework or testing.
|
Comparison |
Multiple Subject Credential |
Single Subject Credential |
|
Typical Classroom |
A self-contained classroom in which one teacher teaches several subjects to the same group of students |
A departmentalized classroom in which a teacher teaches one subject to multiple groups of students |
|
Common grade Levels |
Most commonly associated with elementary schools, although the authorization may apply in other self-contained settings |
Most commonly associated with middle schools and high schools |
|
Teaching Focus |
Multiple subjects, such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social science |
One designated subject, such as English, mathematics, science, or social science |
|
Subject Matter Competency |
Candidates must demonstrate competency across the subjects taught in a self-contained classroom |
Candidates must demonstrate competency in the specific subject named on the credential |
|
May Be a Good Fit for Candidates Who |
Want to teach several subjects and work primarily with one group of students throughout the day |
Want to specialize in a particular academic subject and teach several groups of students |
Start Your Fast-Track Teaching Career With NDNU
Understanding California’s teaching credential requirements is the first step. The next step is to find a preparation program that can help you move through those requirements.
Notre Dame de Namur University offers state-approved Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Single Subject Teaching Credential programs, including intern teaching pathways for eligible candidates. The School of Education at NDNU provides personalized advising and online and hybrid course options to help working adults start their teaching careers.