What is a Teaching Credential & Do You Need One?

If you are passionate about education, you may be considering a teaching career. But, if you live in California, you will need to reach a major milestone to achieve this goal: getting a teaching credential.

What is a teaching credential, exactly? In California, a teaching credential is your ticket to the classroom.¹ A credential is, essentially, a license to teach, and you will need to fulfill certain requirements in order to receive one.

California teaching credentials are the topic of this guide. Below, we will break down why you need a credential, the types of credentials available, how to get one, and more.

What is a Teaching Credential?

In California, teachers must be credentialed in order to work in the state’s K-12 public schools.² There are a few different types of teaching credentials:

1. PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential: California educators looking to teach the state’s youngest learners often pursue the PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential. This credential allows educators to teach multiple subjects in a self-contained classroom from Pre-K to Grade 3.³
2. Multiple Subject Credential: The Multiple Subject Credential is a great fit for future elementary or middle school teachers. This credential allows educators to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom up to Grade 8.⁴
3. Single Subject Credential: Teachers with Single Subject Credentials can teach one specific subject at any grade level. From elementary school music teachers to high school chemistry teachers, this credential can be a great fit for a wide variety of future educators.⁵
4. Education Specialist Instruction Credential: The Education Specialist Instruction Credential is tailor-made for teachers looking to educate students with disabilities (specifically students with Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs). Teachers with this credential can teach any grade as long as their credential matches the disability area of their students.⁶

Every California teacher must receive one of the credentials above in order to qualify for a full-time position as a teacher of record.

Why Do You Need a Teaching Credential in California?

Credentials are not just encouraged in California: They are legally required for all teachers.

However, getting a credential has potential benefits:

• Professional standards: Requiring credentialing helps ensure that all public school teachers are equally equipped to educate the next generation.
• Student outcomes: Credentialing programs provide a standardized curriculum designed to support student success.
• Credibility and accountability: Teachers earn their credentials by completing education programs and other requirements (which we will discuss below). So, completing a credentialing program demonstrates your merit and passion for education.

In short, credentials benefit current and future teachers by providing standardized, professional training and benchmarks.

Types of Teaching Credentials in California

While there are four different credential areas (PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist Instruction), California breaks each of these down into two “tiers”:⁷

1. Preliminary Credentials: Prospective teachers receive their Preliminary Credential in PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist Instruction when they complete all of the requirements of their credentialing program. The Preliminary Credential is valid for five years; once a teacher receives one, they can begin working as the teacher of record in a classroom setting.
2. Clear Credentials: After receiving a Preliminary Credential in your chosen area, you will start working in a classroom setting—this is when your induction period begins. Induction is a two-year, individualized mentoring and support program for newcomers to the profession. Once you have completed induction, you will receive a Clear Credential—the highest credential level. Clear Credentials must be renewed every five years.

For instance, if you want to teach kindergarten, you may choose to complete a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program. After completing this program, you will receive a Preliminary Credential: your ticket to working in the classroom. During your first two years on the job, you will complete an induction program. Once induction is complete, you will receive a Clear Credential.

Depending on your goals, you may choose to pursue additional credentials or authorizations like:

• Bilingual Authorization⁸
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential⁹
• Teacher Librarian Services Credential¹⁰
• Resource Specialist Added Authorization¹¹

5 Steps to Earning Your Teaching Credential

To become a credentialed teacher in California, you will need to complete five critical steps. While there are a few different pathways to getting credentials, you will likely complete all five of these in some fashion before reaching the classroom.¹²

Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements

While there are four distinct paths to a teaching credential in California, all of them require a bachelor’s degree.¹³

Technically speaking, prospective teachers can pursue an undergraduate degree in any field—but there are some benefits to pursuing an education degree specifically:

• Potential fast track to credentials: Many California education degree programs include the credentialing process in their curriculum; they may also allow (or encourage) you to complete your student teaching experience during your degree program. So, you may be able to complete the credentialing process faster than a non-education major might.
• Education-specific career preparation: Students in education degree programs receive instruction explicitly designed to support their careers in the classroom. This is not always the case for non-education degrees.
• Networking: Joining an education degree program may help you connect with future colleagues: fellow passionate educators whom you may share a campus with someday.

Step 2: Enroll in a Credential Program

If you enroll in an education degree program, you may not need to enroll in a separate credentialing program. However, you will likely need to enroll in a credentialing program if:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in a field outside of education
• You have a teaching degree but did not complete your credentials after graduation
• You are entering the teaching profession after a career pivot

For example, if you are a first-year special education teacher, enrolling in a credential program designed for special education can provide the foundational knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

California Teaching Credential Programs are widely available, but prospective teachers should take note: In order to apply for a credential in the future, you must complete a credentialing program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.¹⁴

Before enrolling in your chosen program, ensure that it meets the state’s requirements.

Step 3: Pass Required Examinations

In some cases, future California educators must complete one or more exams to qualify for a teaching credential.

The two most common exams for future California teachers are:

1. CBEST: Future educators can take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) if needed. However, most teachers satisfy the BSR by completing an undergraduate degree program.¹⁵
2. Subject-matter exams: Prospective teachers pursuing a Single Subject Credential must verify their competence in their chosen subject. However, like the CBEST, many candidates satisfy this requirement through coursework or a subject-matter credentialing program instead.¹⁶

Step 4: Complete Student Teaching

All four pathways to a California Preliminary Credential require student teaching experience. This hands-on experience is crucial for future teachers. Student teaching offers:¹⁷

• Networking opportunities: Student teaching is an excellent way to get to know the faculty at a local school; building this network could help you during your job search after credentialing.
• Exposure to students: While students in education programs may get classroom opportunities during their coursework, student teaching is an excellent way to get comfortable working with students.
• Mentoring from experienced teachers: During student teaching experiences, prospective teachers will receive direct feedback from experienced educators. This feedback can improve your classroom management, preparation techniques, and lesson planning.

Student teaching is not just a credentialing requirement—it is a chance to hone the skills you will use in the classroom throughout your career.

Step 5: Apply for Your Credential

After completing your educational requirements, a credentialing program, any required exams, and student teaching experience, you will be eligible to apply for your credential.

When it is time to apply, instructors from your credentialing program can help you complete the necessary applications and submit your documentation.

Why Choose Our Credential Program?

Alliant International University offers credentialing programs for three of the four California credentials:

• Credential in Multiple-Subject Teaching
• Credential in Single-Subject Teaching
• Credential in Education Specialist Instruction, Mild/Moderate Disabilities

But what makes these programs stand out?

• Online coursework: Other than your student teaching experience, you can complete the rest of your credentialing coursework online. Our flexible online curriculum makes our program a perfect match for working professionals, undergraduate students, and other future educators in need of a flexible credentialing process.
• Versatility in classroom leadership: During your time at Alliant, you will engage with seasoned educators from multiple different backgrounds, each with a wealth of knowledge to share.
• Leadership skills: At Alliant, we see teachers as leaders. So, all of our credentialing programs help teachers build the leadership skills they will need to make the biggest possible impact in the classroom.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Teaching Credential?

California offers four distinct pathways to a Preliminary Credential, each with its own typical timeline:

• Residency pathway: One to two years
• Traditional pathway: One to two years
• Integrated Undergraduate pathway: Four to five years
• Intern pathway: Two to three years

However, many factors can influence these timelines:

• Part- or full-time enrollment: If you enroll part-time instead of full-time in a credentialing or undergraduate program, it will likely take longer to complete credentialing.
• Undergraduate education: If you complete a bachelor’s in education with credentialing and student teaching processes included, it may take less time for you to achieve a credential.
• Examinations: If you must complete examinations as part of your credentialing process (which will depend on your desired credentials and specific circumstances), any failed exam attempts could extend your timeline.

This is one of the biggest perks of the credentialing programs at Alliant International University: flexibility. Our online platform allows students to complete the process at a pace that works for them—even prospective teachers looking to get credentialed as quickly as possible. 

How to Maintain and Renew Your Teaching License

Once you earn a teaching certificate, it is important to understand the renewal process. In California, a teacher must renew their license every five years.

• Clear Credential Renewal: After completing the induction process, teachers must submit renewal applications online through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Ongoing Professional Development: While California does not mandate continuing education credits, many school districts require courses or training to maintain employment.
• Additional Authorizations: Some teachers pursue extra certifications in bilingual education, literacy, or special education to expand their career options.

Staying current with licensure requirements ensures continued eligibility for teaching positions and career advancement opportunities.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Teacher?

A credential is all that stands between you and a successful career in the classroom. All you need to complete a credential is a flexible, supportive, hands-on education program.

Alliant International University is home to top-quality learning tools, experienced faculty, and unmatched student support.

Get started today and take the first step toward a rewarding teaching career. Apply now or speak with an admissions counselor to find out how we can help you succeed!

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Sources: 

1. “Becoming a Teacher in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 22, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
2. “Becoming a Teacher in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 22, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
3. “PK-3 ECE Specialist Instruction Credential Quick Facts.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. March 29, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/credential-quick…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
4. “Multiple Subject Credential Quick Facts.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. August 31, 2023.  https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/credential-quick…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
5. “Single Subject Credential Quick Facts.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. January 2, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/credential-quick…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
6. “Education Specialist Instruction Credential Quick Facts.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. January 31, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/credential-quick…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
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8. “Bilingual Authorizations.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. May 8, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/bilingual-authorizations-(cl-628b). Accessed March 17, 2025. 
9. “Pupil Personnel Services Credential for Individuals Prepared in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. September 27, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/Pupil-Personnel-Credential-…-(CL-606C). Accessed March 17, 2025. 
10. “Teacher Librarian Services Credential.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. July 1, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/teacher-librarian-services-…-(cl-562). Accessed March 17, 2025.  
11. “Resource Specialist Added Authorization.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 26, 2021. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/resource-specialist-added-a…-(cl-625). Accessed March 17, 2025. 
12. “Pathways to Credentialing.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. June 5, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
13. “Pathways to Credentialing.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. June 5, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
14. “Becoming a Teacher in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 22, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/becoming-a-teach…. Accessed March 17, 2025. 
15. “Basic Skills Requirement.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. October 15, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667). Accessed March 17, 2025.
16. “Single Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared in California.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. July 1, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/Single-Multiple-Subject-Cre…-(CL-560C). Accessed March 17, 2025.  
17. “Making the Most of Student Teaching: Make the Experience Great.” National Education Association. March 10, 2022. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-ti…. Accessed March 17, 2025.