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How to become a certified teacher in California. Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). Government fees: $575–$875. Substitute requirements: Bachelor's degree. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · California
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in California. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
Total Gov Fees
$575–$875
Initial Cert
5 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required (600 hours) |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
basic skills
Passing score: Total score of 123 with no section below 37
Tests reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Can be waived with qualifying scores on CSET Writing Skills, SAT, ACT, AP, or CSU Early Assessment Program.
content knowledge
Passing score: 220 per subtest
Subject-specific content knowledge exam. Multiple subtests are typically required per credential area. The number of subtests varies by subject (usually 2-4).
reading instruction
Passing score: 220
Required for Multiple Subject (elementary) credential candidates. Tests competence in reading instruction methods.
Issued to new teachers who have completed a teacher preparation program, passed required exams, and met all other requirements. Valid for 5 years.
Issued after completing an approved Teacher Induction Program (typically 2 years) during the Preliminary Credential period. This is the permanent renewable credential.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree
Certificate Required
30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit or Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$100
Validity
5 years
California requires a substitute teaching permit from the CTC. The standard 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit requires a bachelor's degree, passage of CBEST (or equivalent), and a background check. The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit has reduced requirements. Substitutes are limited to 30 days per assignment per school year unless they hold a full credential.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeCTC credential processing fee | $100 |
| Fingerprint FeeLive Scan fingerprinting (DOJ and FBI processing); varies by Live Scan site | $74 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Varies significantly by credential type; includes CBEST, CSET subtests, and RICA (for Multiple Subject) | $400–$700 |
| Initial CertificateCTC credential issuance fee | $100 |
| Renewal FeeClear Credential renewal fee | $100 |
| Substitute PermitCTC processing fee for substitute permit | $100 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes CTC application, fingerprinting, and exam fees | $575–$875 |
Graduate from a CTC-approved teacher preparation program or complete an approved alternative pathway. Must include student teaching (minimum 600 hours of clinical practice).
Pass the CBEST (or qualify for a waiver), all required CSET subtests for your subject area, and RICA (for Multiple Subject credentials).
Fee: $400–$700
Submit fingerprints through a Live Scan location for DOJ and FBI background checks.
Fee: $74
Pass a course or exam covering the U.S. Constitution (required by California law).
Many teacher preparation programs include this requirement.
Apply through the CTC's online credential system. Your teacher preparation program typically submits a recommendation on your behalf.
Fee: $100
Once all requirements are verified, the Preliminary Credential is issued for 5 years.
Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.
During the 5-year Preliminary Credential period, complete a CTC-approved Teacher Induction Program (typically 2 years) to earn the Clear Credential.
Fee: $100
The Clear Credential is the permanent renewable credential.
California offers several alternative pathways including Intern Credentials, which allow candidates to teach while completing their preparation program. District and university intern programs are available. The Provisional Internship Permit allows teaching while enrolled in an intern program. California has a significant shortage in STEM and special education, making alternative pathways particularly important.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
150
Renewal Cycle
5 years
California requires 150 clock hours of professional development activities for Clear Credential renewal every 5 years. Activities can include college coursework, professional development workshops, conference attendance, and independent study. The CTC does not prescribe specific course requirements but requires activities to be relevant to the educator's professional growth.
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case with NASDTEC participation
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
California participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement but has additional state-specific requirements. Out-of-state teachers typically receive a Preliminary Credential and must still complete California-specific requirements.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must pass CBEST (or equivalent), complete a course or pass an exam in the U.S. Constitution, and pass California-specific subject matter exams (CSET) if their out-of-state exams are not recognized. Completion of a California Teacher Induction Program is still required for the Clear Credential.
Unique to California: California has its own state-specific exam system (CBEST/CSET/RICA) rather than using Praxis, and requires a U.S. Constitution course/exam that is not required in most other states. The Preliminary Credential is non-renewable, creating a hard deadline to complete the Teacher Induction Program.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#2 of 51
Cost
#46 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$74,940
25th percentile
Median
$98,190
+58% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$107,020
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
141,650 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - Teaching Credentials
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - Teaching Credentials
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - Teaching Credentials
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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