California Teacher Certification – Applications
To receive your California teacher certification for the first time, you need to include all of the following:
- a completed application or waiver request form – an employing agency needs to submit a waiver on your behalf
- any supporting documentation such as transcripts and exam scores
- payment for the appropriate fees
- proof that fingerprints were paid for and taken
Do not forget to submit all applicable fees for processing your fingerprints.
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is the official body for teacher certification in California.
Fingerprint cards may be ordered through the CTC’s automated phone system.
California Teacher Certification – Types of Licenses
The Commission uses tests in different areas of certification.
The Credential Requirements section of the CTC website shows the required test for each type of certificate.
The official CTC website also has information on:
• Testing Agencies
• California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
• California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
• CSET: Languages Other Than English (CSET:LOTE)
• Single Subject Assessments for Teaching (SSAT)
• Multiple Subject Assessments for Teaching (MSAT)
• Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
• California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL)
• Bilingual, Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD)
• Preliminary Educational Technology Test (PET)
• Teaching Foundations Examination (TFE)
• School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
• California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination (CPACE)
• Speech-Language Pathology
Further information on California Teacher Certification testing can be found on their website.
Commission on Teacher Credentialing – California
California Teacher Certification – Testing
CBEST and CSET Teacher Certification Exams – California
The CTC will select, administer, and interpret your exam results to see if you meet California teaching certification requirements.
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing has contracted with both Pearson and ETS to administer teacher certification examinations required for California teachers.
NOTE: This website is not assoicated with or endorsed by Pearson, Inc, ETS, the CBEST examinations, or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.