Requirements for Single-Subject Teaching Credential in California

<h2 id="section---HowToAcquireYourSingleSubjectTeachingCredentialInCalifornia">How to Acquire Your Single-Subject Teaching Credential in California</h2> <p>Teacher certification in California is a two-tier process, beginning with a preliminary credential, and eventually advancing to a clear teaching credential. Each step involves its own training and examination requirements. Preliminary-certified teachers are required to advance their credential, as this status is not renewable. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education/Experience Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree or higher; <br />Completed teacher preparation program;<br />Completed teacher induction program or certification by National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) for clear credential</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Exam Requirements</b></td><td> Basic skills requirement;<br />Verified subject matter competence;<br />Examination on U.S. Constitution provisions and principles</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Clear Credential Renewal Period</b></td><td> 5 years</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Average Annual Salary (2018)</b></td><td> $80,100* (elementary teachers)<br />$75,660* (middle school teachers)<br />$80,510* (secondary teachers)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2016-2026)</b></td><td> 7% (kindergarten and elementary teachers, nationwide)*<br />8% (middle school and secondary teachers, nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsASingleSubjectTeachingCredential">What is a Single Subject Teaching Credential?</h3> <p>Applicants who are granted this teaching credential are allowed to teach in the subject(s) specified on the credential. These can range from preschool to adult education levels, and include subjects such as art, English, mathematics, physical education, science, and world languages. A full list of available subjects under this credential can be found on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationalAndExperienceRequirements">Educational and Experience Requirements</h3> <p>Teacher certification in California is a two-step process: new teachers must first acquire a five-year preliminary level credential before upgrading to a clear level credential. To be eligible for preliminary teaching credential, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university and complete a teacher preparation program in their chosen subject. </p> <p>Teacher preparation programs are designed to fully develop one's understanding of their chosen subject area and the appropriate methods of teaching such concepts in a classroom setting. These programs must be state-approved and include subjects in literary skills, computer technology, and health education, as outlined by the Commission. This content does not require its own standalone courses in the program, but must at least be addressed. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>Applicants will need to fulfill a basic skills requirement that involves acquiring a passing score in one of the following examinations: the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), the California State University Early Assessment Program or Placement Examinations, the SAT or ACT, the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, or a Basic Skills Examination from another state. Such tests are designed to assess one's skills in literacy (English reading and writing) and mathematics. </p> <p>On top of this, applicants must verify their subject matter competence through passing the appropriate CSET or completing an approved subject matter program - undergraduate degrees offered by accredited colleges or universities, designed to equip one with the skills and knowledge necessary in their chosen subject area. </p> <p>Individuals must also pass an exam, or complete coursework of two semester units, on the principles and provisions of the U.S. Constitution. </p> <h3 id="section---AdvancingFromAPreliminaryCredentialToAClearCredential">Advancing from a Preliminary Credential to a Clear Credential</h3> <p>All teachers must complete the necessary requirements for a clear credential to continue teaching in California public schools. Before the five-year expiration date of their preliminary status, teachers must complete an approved Teacher Induction Program or acquire certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). </p> <p>A teacher induction program is a two-year training period for new California state teachers, during which they are given extensive mentorship and guidance in their initial years of teaching. Once enrolled in the program, an Individual Learning Plan is developed to help set clear goals for growth, improvement, and evaluation for each participating teacher. These programs are provided by various school districts across the state. </p> <h3 id="section---RenewalProcedures">Renewal Procedures</h3> <p>Preliminary credentials cannot be renewed. If the requirements for a clear credential are not yet fulfilled upon the five-year expiration date, employed teachers may ask their employer to appeal for an extension. Clear credentials are also valid for up to five years, and must be renewed online. Since January of 2007, the need for continuing professional development is no longer a requirement for renewal.</p>