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FAQ - General Questions
What is the processing time for applications?
The processing time for applications varies depending upon the Commission's workload. Generally, online applications are processed within 10 working days. To find processing times for applications mailed to the Commission, please click here .
How do I contact the Commission?
Click here for contact information, including driving instructions.
I lost my credential. How do I get a duplicate copy?
Effective September 1, 2008, the Commission will no longer print or mail duplicates of any credential documents. All credential documents issued on or after September 1, 2008 will be available on the Commission's website in a view and print format. Only completed duplicate requests received at the Commission office prior to August 15, 2008 will be processed. Requests received after this date will be returned to sender. If your application was received by this date, a credential document will be mailed to you.
How do I change my name?
Complete the Declaration of Name Change Application form (41-NC) [PDF] and return it with a check or money order in the amount of $27.50, payable to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or CTC. Mail your application to P.O. Box 944270, Sacramento, CA 94244-2700. Please be sure to include your new and former last names, current address, and your social security number on the application form for verification purposes. Only one application and fee is necessary to change your name on your complete credential file.
How do I change my address with your office?
You can send your change of address via email to credentials@ctc.ca.gov, or by postal mail to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, P.O. Box 944270, Sacramento, CA 94244-2700. Please be sure to include your new and former address, last name, and your social security number in your correspondence for verification purposes.
Where can I get information on No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in California?
The State Board of Education and the California Department of Education's NCLB Resource Guide can be found at www.cde.ca.gov/nclb/sr/tq/. The Guide was developed to respond to questions about the NCLB requirements for a highly qualified teacher. Questions may also be addressed to the California Department of Education's NCLB Office at 916-319-0884.
I am moving to another state. Will that state accept my California credentials?
You will need to contact the state's credential or education agency to ask whether they will accept California's credentials. Each state's credential requirements may differ.
Do I have to be licensed to teach in California's public schools?
Yes. Elementary and Secondary public school teachers must be certified by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in order to be employed in a California public school. Once an individual completes all Credential Requirements for certification in California, he or she may apply for and receive a California teaching credential.
What is the fee for processing my credential?
Please see the Fee Information Leaflet [PDF] for a full list of processing fees.
I renewed my application online this morning. How long will it take for me to receive my document?
Renewing your document online is the quickest way to receive your renewed document. Your document should be available in a view and print format on the Commission's website within 10 working days (excluding holidays). It is important to note that effective September 1, 2008, regardless of when the application was received, the Commission will no longer print, distribute, or mail paper documents. Teacher credentialing documents will be available through an online view and print process approximately 48 hours after the document has been processed and granted. Please refer to the following link to access the online view and print process: https://teachercred.ctc.ca.gov/teachers/PersonalSearchProxy
I don't know the name of the credential I want to apply for on the 41-4 application [PDF] form. What should I do?
Please be sure to review the instructions carefully. If you cannot determine your credential type, you may call or email the Commission's Information Services, or your prospective employer for assistance.
What is a teacher preparation program?
Teacher preparation is a program of professional course work (including student teaching) that develops the skills needed for serving in the classroom. This includes course work in areas such as teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and classroom management.
What is subject matter competence and how does it differ from a teacher preparation program?
While teacher preparation is knowledge of HOW to teach, subject matter competence is knowledge of WHAT is taught. Subject matter competence is a requirement for all multiple subject, single subject, and special education credentials (with the exception of Early Childhood Special Education), which assess the prospective teacher's knowledge in the academic subject area that she or he will be teaching. This requirement is met either by completing specific examinations or by taking courses (in addition to the teacher preparation courses) in the academic subject area through a California college or university that has a Commission-approved subject matter program for that area.
How do I obtain subject matter equivalence from the Commission?
The Commission does not have the authority to evaluate candidate information for subject matter competence. Such evaluations may only be performed by California colleges or universities that have Commission-approved subject matter programs.
Can I take online or correspondence courses through California colleges?
Most of California's community and four-year colleges do not offer course work through correspondence, although there are a growing number of course offerings on the Internet called "distance education", and by cable television (on DISH television's Community College Network, or CCN). To find information about distance education courses and programs in California, you can view a Distance Education Catalog at the web site for the California Virtual Campus at www.cvc.edu.
Can I access the fingerprint application forms on your website?
The 41-LS (LiveScan) form can be downloaded and printed from the Commission's website. Fingerprint cards (FD-258) are not accessible on the website; however, the Commission can mail cards upon request.
What is the processing time for fingerprints (after the application is processed by the Commission)?
The processing time depends upon the workload of the FBI and the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Generally, the Commission receives a response to fingerprint inquiries in about a month. The Commission accepts LiveScan fingerprint submissions. LiveScan is a process whereby fingerprints are electronically transmitted to the FBI and California DOJ. Response for fingerprints submitted via LiveScan has proven to be much quicker than traditional fingerprint cards. Click here for a list of LiveScan locations in your area or check with the county office of education in your area regarding the availability of LiveScan for credentialing purposes.
Can you tell me which school districts in California have a need for teachers?
The Commission issues certification for service in public schools, but does not maintain information regarding available positions or assist in job placement. You must contact the individual school districts, county offices of education, or other agencies for information on employment opportunities. Please visit the California Department of Education's web site at www.cde.ca.gov/re/sd/ for a list of the county offices of education along with their addresses and phone numbers. Many districts in California have streamlined their application and hiring process. For example, applicants interested in teaching in Los Angeles Unified School District should visit their website for more information. Individuals interested in teaching opportunities throughout California should visit the EdJoin website.
I would like the Commission to waive some of the course work required for my credential based upon training and experience that I have had. How do I do that?
The Commission does not have the authority to waive any course work required for certification. Speak with a California college or university with a Commission-approved teacher preparation program for more information.
The California university that I am attending is telling me that I must take four more courses for my clear credential but I feel that I have already completed everything for the credential. Can I apply directly to the Commission?
No. California-trained teachers must complete the course work required by their Commission-approved college or university. The Commission sets the standards for the programs. The institutions develop their programs based upon those guidelines and have the authority to require additional standards or courses beyond the minimum requirements set by the Commission.