Online recommendations submitted through credential program sponsors are usually completed within 10 working days. Typically, all other applications, including those submitted using the Direct Web Application, are processed within 50 working days from the date we receive the application and supporting documentation.

Click here for contact information, including driving instructions.

Effective September 1, 2008, the Commission no longer prints or mails duplicates of any credential documents. All credential documents issued on or after September 1, 2008 are available on the Commission's website in a view and print format using the Online Services for Educators button on our home page.

You may submit a name change at any time using the Online Services for Educators button on the Commission's website to access your personal profile. No application is required and there is no additional charge for the name change.

If you are unable to use the online system to complete the name change in your personal profile, you may submit the Declaration of Name Change Application form (41-NC) for this purpose. While name changes submitted online go into effect immediately, paper applications submitted to the Commission may take up to 50 working days before being processed.

You may submit changes to your personal information at any time using the Online Services for Educators button on the Commission's website to access your personal profile.

You can also send your change of address via email to credentials@ctc.ca.gov, or by postal mail to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA, 95811-4213. When submitted by postal mail or email, please be sure to include your new and former address, full name, and the last four digits of your social security number in your correspondence for verification purposes.

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.

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.

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.

Please see the Fee Information Leaflet [PDF] for a full list of processing fees.

Most Clear, Professional, and Professional Clear Credentials, Emergency 30 Day Substitute Permits, and Child Development Permits may be renewed online. You can check the status of your document using the Online Services for Educators button on the Commission's home page. For additional information, please see Renewal and Reissuance of Credentials [PDF].

Effective September 1, 2008, the Commission no longer prints, distributes, or mails paper documents. Your document should be available in a view and print format on the Commission's website within 10 working days (excluding holidays). Please use the Online Services for Educators button on our home page to access the online view and print process.

Send an email to the Commission at credentials@ctc.ca.gov. The email must include ALL of the following information:

• Name of Document Holder
• Social Security Number (last four digits only)
• Document number or document title (example: Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential)
• An explanation of the error
• Name of requesting party if other than the credential holder
• Phone number and/or email address

If additional information is needed to process the correction request, or it has been determined that a correction is not necessary, the Commission will contact you by email.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Request fingerprint cards by sending an email with your name and address to the Commission's Information Services Unit at credentials@ctc.ca.gov.

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.

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.

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.

No. California-trained teachers must complete the course work required by their Commission-approved program. 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.