Cheapest Way to Get a Teaching Credential in California
While it is understandable that teachers must attain certain credentials in order to satisfactorily perform their roles, the process can be an expensive one. It is, therefore, important that interested persons know their options when undertaking these programs.
Information about California Teaching Credentials
All of the means for acquiring a teaching credential in California start with the interested candidate earning a bachelor's degree and passing exams. Some options have fewer exams than others, which could make these routes less expensive. Find out more about the requirements and options below.
| Education Required | Bachelor's degree |
| Exam Requirements | Varies |
| Certification Renewal Period | Varies |
| Average Salary (2019) | $63,700 (teachers in CA)* |
| Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) | 8% (teachers nationally)** |
Sources: *Salary.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Credential Options in California
The type of credential relevant to an interested candidate is dependent on what level of education they wish to teach. Candidates interested in teaching elementary school must obtain the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential while candidates interested in teaching high school must obtain the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Candidates interested in becoming special education teachers need to acquire the Education Specialist Instruction Credential. Within these options there are multiple pathways to obtaining certification, all with different price points.
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Candidates who are interested in this credential have several options within this route. These include going to a college or university along with work experience, Peace Corps experience, and various internship programs. Based on the information available, the exams that must be taken and passed are all the same, making these routes similar in price. One would just have to determine if gaining work experience could be beneficial for paying for college costs.
Single Subject Teaching Credential
This route has similar options to the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. These options include college or university attendance, internship programs, and work experience. The Early Completion Intern Option lists an additional exam than the other options, and so may be more costly.
Education Specialist Instruction Credential
Earning this credential can be done by attending a college or university and completing internship programs. There could be a number of exams to pass for special education teachers, based on a number of different specialties, so this option could be the most expensive.
General Cost of Education
Because all of the options require earning a bachelor's degree, the cheapest way to attain a teaching credential in California could start with finding an affordable degree program at an accredited college or university. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost for in-state residents for a four-year degree program at a public university in California was $22,081, inclusive of room and board for the 2017-2018 academic year. Without room and board, the cost was $8,020. Out-of-state residents paid $29,173 for tuition and fees at a 4-year public university in California. The total cost of attending private school in the state averaged $47,410 for the same year. Without room and board, tuition and fees averaged $33,483.