Hot Topics
Title
Application Questions
What is a Certificate of Clearance and do I need one?
A Certificate of Clearance is a document that verifies that the individual has completed the Commission's fingerprint and character and identification process. Individuals must obtain a Certificate of Clearance prior to beginning student teaching.
How do I apply for a 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
- 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 via postal mail to the Commission office which includes all of the following:
- A completed application form [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 41-LS 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 $56.00 fee to process the fingerprint cards, in addition to the application processing fee. To order fingerprint cards, send a request via e-mail to caworders@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. 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 February 28, 2005 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.
What is the fee for a Certificate of Clearance?
The fee is $27.50. If applying for the Certificate of Clearance online, an additional $2.00 service fee will be required.
How do I use my Certificate of Clearance fee?
Your Certificate of Clearance fee may be applied towards a future application fee if you are submitting your application via postal mail or if your application was submitted through a California college or university as part of their online submission process. Effective January 1, 2007, the fee will be available to use towards the issuance of your initial credential only. When you pay for your credential, send the amount of the full application processing fee MINUS the amount of the fee credit. The amount available to you should be printed on the face of your Certificate of Clearance if you received a hard copy. It will also be displayed on the Commission's renewal website. You do not need to return the original Certificate of Clearance to receive your credit.
What is the validity period of a Certificate of Clearance?
Effective February 2005, a Certificate of Clearance includes an expiration date of five years after the issuance date. Documents issued prior to this date do not expire.
Why didn't I receive my Certificate of Clearance document?
On January 1, 2006, the Commission stopped issuing paper copies of Certificate of Clearance documents. When a Certificate of Clearance is issued, it will display online under "Credentials Held" and the associated application will no longer appear under "Status of Application(s)."
To view your Certificate of Clearance, click here.
|
Did we answer your question? If not, click here to email our credential staff. It takes approximately 3 to 5 business days to receive a response to your email. |