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Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credential Guide
I am certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in special education and wish to apply for California certification.
Teachers who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Exceptional Needs/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood will be issued a Clear Level II Education Specialist Instruction Credential. Individuals applying under this route are exempt from the basic skills requirement and all other credential requirements.
Individuals who are certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of Special Education will be issued the specific California special education authorization based upon the course work completed within the teacher preparation program. All course work must be submitted on official transcript from a regionally-accredited college or university.
Individuals may apply directly to the Commission for their clear Level II credential by submitting all of the following:
- Photocopy of National Board Certification
- Completed application [PDF] and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed LiveScan Receipt [PDF]. Out-of-state residents have the option of submitting two fingerprint cards in lieu of a LiveScan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet in addition to the application processing fee. Fingerprint cards may be ordered by sending an e-mail to credentials@ctc.ca.gov.
- Photocopy of out-of-state credential with a corresponding specific disability area or official transcripts verifying twenty-four (24) semester units of special education course work including twelve (12) semester units in a corresponding specific disability area
- Application processing fee [PDF]
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