Navigating through the myriad of teacher Certification requirements can seem like a daunting task. To ensure that teachers are academically and professionally prepared to educate students in a public school setting, a teacher must obtain and maintain proper credentials. This means that they must certify to a state approved commission on teacher Certification that they are qualified and competent to educate students. Specific requirements and teacher education programs vary from state to state and therefore should be evaluated carefully by candidates wishing to teach in states other than those in which they were trained. Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states and will accept an out-of -state credential but, may require you to obtain additional requirements after being hired within California. The process is complex.
Typically, one must first complete a teacher preparation program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Certification (CCTC) if trained within the state of California. In California, that would include the completion of a bachelor’s degree and a fifth year-of-study in an accredited teacher preparation program. Once this five year course of study is completed, the teacher candidate must also complete a few additional qualifiers. These include the CBEST and CSET test. The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) was developed to assess and verify acceptable proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills in the English language. The CBEST is not a measure of teaching skills or abilities. Instead, it measures more basic educational skills that are needed and used by professional staff members. Once this test is passed, you must also successful demonstrate subject matter competency via the currently adopted assessment tool, the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).
Teacher credential candidates now need to apply to the CCTC for a Professional Clear Credential. Evaluation of applications can take up to 75 working days to be finalized. Once a professional Clear Credential is obtained the teacher needs to maintain professional development hours during the next five year period.
Candidates prepared in other states need to ensure that their state program meets the standards of the teacher preparation program in California. Often this is NOT the case. If you are planning to teach in California, you would be wise to have a university counselor ensure that you are working towards credential completion requirements of California (or other states) by contacting that state’s Teacher Certification office.
