Credential Information

Elementary School Teaching

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. However, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1 through 12, inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults).

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Secondary School Teaching

Single Subject Teaching Credential
A Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in most middle schools and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level; kindergarten, and grades 1 through 12, inclusive; or in classes organized for adults.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Special Education

Education Specialist Instruction Credential
The Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach in the area of specialization listed on the credential in the following settings: special day classes, special schools, home/hospital settings, correctional facilities, nonpublic schools and agencies, and resource rooms.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Early Childhood/Reading

Other Specialist Credentials and Certificates
Many specialists in the public schools must earn credentials or certificates authorizing service in the area of specialization. The leaflets listed below should answer your questions concerning these teaching specialties. These credentials and certificates are dependent upon the applicant holding a Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential or the equivalent issued under previous statutes. See also "Application Information (including Fee Schedule)" below.

  • The Reading Certificate CL-812 8/98
  • Instruction for Limited-English-Proficient Students: CLAD/BCLAD Certificates CL-622 3/98
  • Specialist Credential in Reading CL-537 12/98 updated
  • Early Childhood Education, Gifted, and Mathematics CL-529 4/98

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Technical/Trade/Vocational

Designated Subjects Credentials
Designated Subjects Credentials authorize teaching or service in technical, trade, or vocational courses or in courses organized primarily for adults. The requirements generally include experience in the subject. The leaflets listed below should answer your questions concerning teaching in vocational or adult education in California's public schools. See also "Application Information (including Fee Schedule)" below.

  • Adult Education CL-697a 6/98
  • Vocational Education CL-698a 9/98
  • Special Subjects CL-699 9/98
  • Supervision and Coordination CL-700 7/97
  • Approved Local Education Agencies CL-506 12/98 updated

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Child Development

Child Development Permits
In California, there are three state agencies and two sets of government regulations that control service in the care, development, and instruction of children in a child care and development program. The permits listed below are for service in state licensed, publicly funded, center-based child care and development programs. Child development programs that are not publicly funded may or may not require these permits. However, such programs do have specific requirements of their own.

  • Child Development Permit CL-797 11/98
  • Includes requirements for:
  • Child Development Assistant Permit
  • Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
  • Child Development Teacher Permit
  • Child Development Master Teacher Permit
  • Child Development Site Supervisor Permit
  • Child Development Program Director Permit

Services Credentials

Services Credentials

In California, individuals providing school services such as school nurse and pupil counseling must hold a credential authorizing that service. The leaflets listed below should answer your questions concerning services credentials.

  • School Nurse and Other Health Services CL-380 4/98
  • Library Media Teacher Services CL-562 12/98 updated
  • Pupil Personnel Services, including Counseling and School Psychology CL-606 12/98 updated
  • Clinical or Rehabilitative Services, including Speech Clinician CL-610 12/98 updated

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
P.O. Box 944270
Sacramento, CA 94244-2700

Internet Address:  www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials

Telephone: (916) 322-4974, Option 1 - (M-F 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, PST)
(Automated system available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including voice mail to order application materials.)

E-mail: credentials@ctc.ca.gov
Allow 2 - 4 working days for a response. Please include your name, mailing address and telephone number. We will send you information and answer specific questions via the best means available [telephone, e-mail, or traditional mail]. To do any type of evaluation, the Commission requires an application, fee and official copies of supporting documentation.