Credential Information

For the complete Commission on Teacher Credentialing description access Leaflet Number CL 560C at www.ctc.ca.gov/credentialinfo/leaflets/cl560c.html

Preliminary Credential

The Preliminary Credential is a five year, non-renewable credential. Requirements for the Preliminary Credential are:

• 1) Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university

  2) Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement by passing the CBEST exam or other state approved exam (test of basic English and Math skills)

  3) Complete a single subject teacher preparation program including successful student teaching, and obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed

  4) Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:

  a. Achieve a passing score one the appropriate subject-matter examination(s)

  b. Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program

  c. For specialized science subjects only, individuals may take and pass the appropriate subject matter examination or obtain verification of completion of subject-matter course work from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing

  5) Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirement by completing a comprehensive reading instruction course that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques

  6) Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provision and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university

  7) Complete foundational computer technology course work that includes general and specialized skills ion the use of computers in educational settings

  8)  Pass character clearance (fingerprint background check)

  9)  Complete all prerequisite, co-requisite core and capstone courses with a “B” average and a minimum grade of “C”.  A minimum 3.0 grade point average must be maintained in EDSS and EDSE courses.  A minimum grade of “B” must be attained in EDSS 300 and EDSS 450

  Through successful completion of the CSULB Single Subject Credential Program, candidates will satisfy all nine California State requirements.

Professional Clear Credential

The Professional Clear Credential must be earned within five years of the date of issue of the Preliminary Credential, and is renewable throughout a teacher's career.

Requirements for the Professional Clear Credential for Holders of the Ryan Single Subject Credential

Individuals who have completed a Ryan Teaching Preparation Program must satisfy all of the requirements for the Preliminary Single Subject Credential plus all of the requirements listed in one of the following four options:

Option 1. A Commission-approved SB 2042 Professional Teacher Induction Program, plus verification of training in CPR that covers infant, child and adult CPR skills.  [Recommendation for the credential is through the approved Induction Program.]

Option 2.  A Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Program AND the three additional requirements of course work in health education (including CPR), course work in special populations, and advanced course work in the use of computer technology in educational settings.  [Recommendation for the credential is through the school district or local county office of education.]

Option 3.  A fifth year of study (30 post-baccalaureate units) at a college or university with a Commission-approved teacher  preparation program AND the three additional requirements of health education (including CPR), special populations, and advanced computer technology course work in the use of computers in educational settings if not already completed for the Preliminary Credential.  [Recommendation for the credential is through the college or university.]

Option 4.  Teachers who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards will be issued a Professional Clear Credential in the subject area in which they have received national certification.  [Individuals seeking the Professional Clear Credential under Option 4 apply directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.]

Requirements for the Professional Clear Credential for Holders of the SB 2042 Single Subject Credential

Individuals who complete an SB 2042 teacher preparation program and receive a five-year Preliminary Credential must earn a Professional Clear Credential by completing one of the following three options:

Option 1. A Commission-approved SB 2042 Professional Teacher Induction Program through an approved school district, county office of education, college or university, consortium, or private school.  The Induction Program includes the advanced study of health education, special populations, the use of computer technology in educational settings, and teaching English learners.  [Applications for the Clear Credential are submitted through the Induction Program sponsor.]

Option 2.  A Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Program AND advanced study of health education, special populations, the use of computer technology in educational settings, and teaching English learners.  [Applications for the Clear Credential are submitted through the local school district or county office of education.]

Option 3.  A fifth year of study completed at a college or university with a Commission-accredited teacher preparation program AND/OR INCLUDING Commission-approved advanced course work in health education, special populations, uses of computer technology in educational settings, and teaching English learners.  A fifth year of study is defined as "a master’s degree or course work consisting of 30 semester units beyond the bachelor’s degree completed at a regionally-accredited college or university in a defined field of study designed to improve the teacher’s competence and skills." The four advanced study courses must be completed AFTER the issuance date of the Preliminary Credential (per Credential Information Alert 03-05).  [Applications for the Clear Credential are made through the college or university.]

Requirements for Individuals Prepared Outside of California

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 professional clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed.

A Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in most middle schools and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level: preschool, grades K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

Individuals who completed their professional preparation outside of California may apply directly to the Commission for their initial credential. The credentialing process in California is made up of a sequence of requirements which the teacher is given up to five years to complete. Teachers receiving the preliminary credential are making a commitment to complete the process and obtain the professional clear credential. Applicants may apply directly to the Commission by downloading the informational handout at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl560.pdf

Please contact the Credential Center in the College of Education (ED1-42) at (562)985-4109 for advisement.

Last update: 8/8/07