Apply for a New Document
If you are a first-time applicant and have never applied for a document you must first register to use the CTC Online system. Please visit the Create Account page for additional information.
If you already have a registered User ID, you may submit an application using the appropriate method described below.
If you completed a teacher preparation program in California, or your employer (such as a school district or county office of education) is assisting with your credential or permit application, please consult with them before submitting an application.
If you are being recommended online by a program or employer, you should use the “University/Program Recommendation” or “Employer/County Office Recommendation” options to complete your application — not the “New Credential” option. Using the wrong option may cause delays, requests for more information, or even denial of your application.
For the correct steps to complete your online recommendation, please visit the Complete Your Recommendation page.
Visit the Credential Requirements page for specific document requirements.
Submit an Online Application
View How to Submit an Online Application
An online application is required to apply for the following documents:
- Certificate of Clearance (COC)
- Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate (ASCC)
- Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
- Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit for Prospective Teachers
- Emergency Designated Subjects Career Technical Education 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials based on alternate preparation (out-of-state and National Board, outside the United States, Private School and Peace Corps)
- Single Subject Teaching Credentials based on alternate preparation (out-of-state and National Board, outside the United States,
- Private School and Peace Corps)
- Education Specialist Instruction Credentials based on alternate preparation (out-of-state and National Board, and outside the United States)
- New full authorization to existing Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential
- Child Development Permits (all levels)
- Administrative Services Credentials (California prepared via exam and those prepared in another state outside California)
- Education Specialist Bridge Authorizations
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credentials
- Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential
- Pupil Personnel Services Credential
- Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential
- Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
- School Nurse Services Credential
- Teacher Librarian Services Credential
- Extension by Appeal
- Applying for Remaining time on Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
- English Learner Authorization (by exam, previously issued comparable document, or comparable out-of-state authorization)
- Bilingual Authorization (by exam, previously issued comparable document, or comparable out-of-state authorization)
- PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential (for existing Multiple Subject Credential holders)
- New full specialty area to an existing Education Specialist Instruction Credential (based on comparable out-of-state authorization)
- Subject matter authorization (added to Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential)
- Supplementary authorization (added to Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential)
- Removing requirements listed on a Preliminary Teaching Credential
- Upgrading a Preliminary Teaching Credential to Clear
- Upgrading Preliminary Teaching Credential based on holding a Clear Teaching Credential of another type
- Upgrading to Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential based on out-of-state preparation (Route 2)
- Upgrading to Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential based on out-of-state preparation (Route 2)
- Upgrading to Clear Education Specialist Instruction Credential based on out-of-state preparation (Route 2)
Online Application Processing Timeline
Online applications submitted by employers or directly by the educator through their CTC Online account are typically processed within 50 business days, providing that no additional background or professional fitness review is required.
Submit a Paper Application
The Commission ONLY accepts paper applications for document types that have not yet been made available online (for more information, view How to Submit a Paper Application). A paper application is required to apply for the following documents:
- Waivers
- Military Fee Waiver
- Children’s Center Permits
- Sojourn Certificated Employee Credential
- Eminence Credential
- Exchange Certificated Employee Credential
- American Indian Languages-Cultural Credential
- Self-Revocations/Reinstatements
- Designated Subjects Special Subjects
- Change of Restriction on Employer-Restricted Documents
- Certificate of Completion of Staff Development
- Specialist Instruction Credentials (Agriculture, Gifted Education, Health Science)
- Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation
- Military and Dependent Spouse Teaching and Services Credential
Original Signatures are Required
You will need to sign and date your paper application with a wet-ink or digital signature. If you choose to use a digital signature, please reference the Supported Digital Signature Solutions page for information on what is acceptable.
Paper Application Processing Time
All paper applications mailed directly to the Commission are typically processed within 50 business days, providing that no additional background or professional fitness review is required.
The application fee is considered earned upon receipt and is not refundable. Individuals shall receive either a document or an evaluation listing the requirements which have not been met for the document requested. If after submitting your application, you receive a letter requesting additional documentation, your application and fee will remain valid for sixty (60) days pending receipt of new supporting materials. If it has been determined that you do not qualify for the type of document originally requested, the fee cannot be used again to apply for a different type. (Reference: Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 80487)
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
651 Bannon Street
Sacramento, CA 95811