The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Commission) is an independent agency of state government that is responsible for:

  • Developing program standards and accrediting educator credential preparation programs
  • Issuing credentials and permits for service in California's public schools
  • Educator discipline actions

The data below provide information on the number of Commission-approved institutions, preparation programs, accreditation site visits, applications processed, new credentials issued and educator discipline actions taken in the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Click or hover over the figures for more details. To download data in PDF and excel, go the Data and Resources section at the bottom of the webpage.

Commission-approved Institutions and Programs

The Commission has the authority to accredit institutions and approve all programs that lead to a credential to serve as an educator in California's public schools. In Figure 1, the data show the five types of institutional segments (California State University, University of California, Private/Independent Institution, Local Education Agency and Other) that offer Commission-approved educator preparation programs.  Figure 2 displays the percent of active programs offered by segment in the fiscal year.  Accreditation site visits, which occur during the sixth year of the seven-year accreditation cycle, provide information on the quality of preparation offered by institutions and ensure preparation is aligned to the Commission’s adopted standards.  Figure 3 displays the number of site visits completed by segment, and Figure 4 displays the distribution of 2020-21 site visit institutions across the state.  Figure 5 displays the institution accreditation status resulted from the site visits completed in the 2020-21 year.

Applications Processed and New Credentials Issued

The Commission processes applications submitted by Commission-approved institutions, current educators and individuals interested in serving in California's schools. New applications are submitted by educators obtaining a first-time or a new type of document. Renewal applications are submitted by educators who are renewing or adding additional authorizations to an existing granted document.  Figure 6 displays the number of new and renewal applications processed.

Most new credentials are issued to candidates who completed a California preparation program. These candidates are recommended for their credential by their preparation program. Figure 7 displays the percent of new credentials recommended by the various institutional segments.

In Figure 8, the distribution of new credentials provides information on the new teaching (Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist, and Designated Subjects) and services (Administrative Services, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services, Pupil Personnel Services, School Nurse, Speech-Language Pathology Services and Teacher Librarian) credentials, and child development permits issued.  New credentials do not include certificates, substitute permits and other documents.

Educator Discipline

The Commission investigates allegations of misconduct by credential holders and applicants. Mandatory actions require the automatic revoking or denial of a credential or document due to a serious criminal offense. Discretionary actions are reviewed by the Committee of Credentials and recommendations regarding potential Commission-actions are made to the Commission. The Commission will vote to adopt or not adopt the recommendations.  Figure 9 displays the number of total adverse actions taken in the fiscal year.

Updated August 09, 2022