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Steps to Teaching

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California Teacher Credentialing Requirements

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) sets the requirements and qualifications for teachers. There are multiple types of teaching credentials; each with unique qualifications. The information provided here is only a summary to serve as a guide. Please visit the CTC's website for the most recent information and a full description of all requirements.

Requirements to become a teacher: (Click on the item below to learn about the details of each requirement)

I. Education Requirements:
A. Bachelor's Degree
B. US Constitution and California Government; This requirement is typically met by a political science course taken during the pursuit of the Bachelor's degree, if obtained from a California accredited university.

II. Testing Requirements:
     A. California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)
     B. Subject Matter Competency
          1. California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET)
          or
          2. Approved subject waiver (for single subject only)

III. Credential Programs options:
     A. Traditional University Programs
     B. Blended University Programs
     C. Los Angeles Apprentice Teacher Program (LA ATP)
     D. Intern Programs
          1. District Internship
          2. University Internship
          3. Provisional Internship

Types of Credentials

Teaching Credential

Authorized to Teach

Multiple Subject⁺

Elementary school; K-6 grade
Self-contained classroom

Single Subject⁺

Secondary school; 6 -12 grades
Single subject classrooms, i.e. Math, Biology, English, History

Educational Specialist⁺

Special Education; pre-K thru 12 grade

B/CLAD (required for any credential candidate)

Authorization to teach English Language Learners
BCLAD designates bilingual for the specific language approved

Pupil Personnel Services⁺⁺

School Counselors and School Psychologists

Career Technical Education

Technical, trade or vocation courses;
Adults and/or grades 12 and below

Child Development Permits

Pre-school and day care

Adult School

Teach subject specific classes to adults

Substitute

Serve as a day-to-day substitute in pre-K thru 12 grade

Others

Please see the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for detailed information and credential options

⁺Credential seekers eligible for all Career Ladder Services.
⁺⁺ Credential seekers eligible for all Career Ladder Services, except the Career Ladder
Scholarship.

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Advice on Becoming a Teacher

Steps to determine if teaching is right for you:

1. Which grade level, subject, and age group would you like to teach? Identify the credential that matches your answer.

2. Which college/university do you wish to graduate/complete a teaching credential? Research the institution to see if they offer the degree and/or credential you wish.

3. Have you completed 2 years of college and taken the CBEST? If not, sign up for and complete the CBEST test.

4. Do you have a student loan? If not, apply for FAFSA. If yes, consider applying for the APLE and/or TEAMS USF/Americorps loan forgiveness programs.

5. Prior to becoming a senior, have you completed and satisfactorily passed the CSET Subject Matter Test required for the credential you seek? If not, prepare and enroll for the test; it is not recommended to take more than 2 subtests at a time.

6. Do you need CSET test preparation classes? If so, visit Bobrow Test Prep, LAUSD CSET Test Prep, or LACOE CSET Test Prep.

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