Title
Supplementary & Subject Matter Authorizations
Introductory supplementary authorizations authorize the holder to teach in the subject area named on the credential in departmentalized classrooms in grades 9 and below. Specific supplementary authorizations authorize teaching the specific subject named on the credential at any grade level including K-12 inclusive, preschool, and classrooms organized primarily for adults.
Introductory subject matter authorizations authorize the holder to teach the subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks approved for study in grades 9 and below. This allows an employer to assign a teacher with an introductory authorization to teach a class in which the curriculum is for grades 9 and below but the students in the class may be in grades K-12. Specific subject matter authorizations authorize the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, kindergarten-12, and classes organized primarily for adults.
Holders of valid teaching credentials may add supplementary and subject matter authorizations to an existing credential by verifying completion of additional coursework or a degree major in the subject(s) to be named on the credential.
Information for All Candidates
- Supplementary Authorizations for Multiple Subject and Standard Elementary Teaching Credentials [PDF]
- Supplementary Authorizations for Single Subject, Standard Secondary and Special Secondary Teaching Credentials [PDF]
- Supplementary Authorization Worksheet [PDF]
- Supplementary Authorization Guideline Book [PDF]
- Subject Matter Authorizations [PDF]
- Subject Matter Authorization Worksheet [PDF]
- Subject Matter Authorization Guideline Book [PDF]
- How to Apply
- Renewing Your Credential
- Processing Fees [PDF]
- More Resources
California Prepared Candidates
Requirements are the same for all candidates
Out-of-State Prepared Candidates
Requirements are the same for all candidates
Out-of-Country Prepared Candidates
Requirements are the same for all candidates, except that the course work and/or degrees posted to a foreign transcript must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency before the Commission can consider them for certification purposes.
Additional Resources
- Approval of Addition to California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 80089.3 and 80089.4, Pertaining to Introductory and Specific Subject Matter Authorizations [PDF]
- Commission-Approved Professional Preparation Programs
- Title 5 California Code of Regulations Sections 80069, 80089, 80089.1, and 80057.5 (Supplementary Authorizations) 80089.3 - 80089.4 (Subject Matter Authorizations) - External Webpage...
- Education Code 44256 - External Webpage...
- Adding Authorizations to Existing Credentials


