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How to Apply
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Fee and Fingerprint Information
Application Processing Timeframes
All waivers and some credentials, certificates, and permits require you to file the application through your employing agency or institution of higher education. All clear, professional, and professional clear renewals must be submitted online. Specific requirements can be found in the Credential Requirements section of this website. A separate application is required for each credential, certificate, or permit requested.
Your Application Packet
First-time applications for credentials, certificates, permits, or waivers must include all of the following:
- a completed application (form 41-4) [PDF] or waiver request form (waivers can only be submitted by employing agency)
- any supporting documentation (i.e., transcripts, exam scores, etc), *
- current processing fees
- a copy of the "Request for LiveScan Service" form must be attached to the application packet as proof that fingerprints were taken and the fingerprint processing fees paid
- Out-of-State Residents Only: You have the option of submitting two completed fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a LiveScan receipt. You must also submit all applicable processing fees. Fingerprint cards may be ordered through the Commission's automated phone system at 1-888-921-2682 or by email at credentials@ctc.ca.gov.
Subsequent applications for credentials for credentials, certificates and permits must include all of the following:
- a completed application (form 41-4) [PDF]
- current processing fee
- any supporting documentation (i.e., transcripts, exam scores, etc.) *
renewal applications for credentials, certificates, permits, or waivers must include all of the following (all clear, professional, and professional clear credentials must be renewed online):
- completed renewal application [PDF] (form 41-REN) or waiver request form (waivers can only be submitted by employing agency)
- current processing fee
- any supporting documentation (i.e., transcripts, exam scores, etc.) **
Certificate of Clearance
California residents must apply for their Certificate of Clearance online effective July 1, 2007. Follow the steps outlined in number 1, below.
Out-of-state and out-of-country residents have three ways to submit an application for a Certificate of Clearance. Each method is explained below.
- Apply online (the quickest method), using the instructions provided below:
- Print three copies of Livescan 41-LS form [PDF]
- Submit the three copies of the Livescan 41-LS form and processing fees to the LiveScan operator when the prints are taken (Click here to view a listing of Livescan locations)
- Navigate to the Commission's Online Direct Application Site
- Complete the online application
- Using a VISA or Mastercard debit or credit card, complete the authorized transaction fee of $29.50
- Immediately following the successful submission of the online application, an e-mail will be sent containing a confirmation number and a link to the Track Payment web page.
- Submit a paper application via postal mail to the Commission office which includes all of the following (out-of-state and out-of-country residents only):
- A completed application (form 41-4) [PDF]. Check the box in Section 3 titled Certificate of Clearance.
- Application processing fees which will be credited toward a future application fee for certification
- A copy of the Request for LiveScan Service form must be attached to the application packet as proof that fingerprints were taken and the fingerprint processing fees paid. Out-of-state residents have the option of completing two fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a LiveScan receipt. There is an additional $51.00 fee to process the fingerprint cards, in addition to the application processing fee. To order fingerprint cards, send a request via e-mail to credentials@ctc.ca.gov. (Do not send credentialing questions to this e-mail address as a response will not be sent.)
- Apply through the college or university in which you are completing your teacher preparation program. Please contact the college or university for more information.
The normal processing time for the fingerprint and character and identification process via LiveScan is one to three days. If submitting fingerprint cards, or if the individual requires review by the Commission's Division of Professional Practices, the process will take longer. If the application is pending review by the Commission's Division of Professional Practices, the online file will indicate that the application is "pending additional evaluation".
Certificates of Clearance issued on or after July 1, 2007 are valid for five-years. Individuals may view the status of their Certificate of Clearance application on the
Look-up and Status page . Online applications submitted prior to 4:00 p.m. PST will display on the website the following day at approximately 2:00 p.m. PST or later.
When requirements for issuance of the Certificate of Clearance are completed, an e-mail will be sent informing the individual that the document has been granted and can be viewed in 48 hours on the Look-up and Status page .
Checks and money orders should be made payable to Commission on Teacher Credentialing or CTC.
Mail all applications to:
State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA
95811-4213
* Specific credential requirements can be found within the Credential Requirements section of this website.
** Please refer to the face of your credential document for specific renewal requirements. An overview of renewal requirements may be found within the Renewing Your Credential section of this website.