Certification Glossary

Ryan Teaching Credentials are issued under the provisions of the Teacher Preparation and Licensing Law of 1970 (The Ryan Act), its subsequent amendments and additions, including the Bergeson Act of 1988, and other laws and regulations currently in effect. The Ryan Credentials are issued under a two-tier system. Normally, individuals who qualify for their initial credential are issued a preliminary credential. After completing additional requirements, individuals receive a clear credential. Ryan teaching credentials were replaced with the SB 2042 Multiple Subject and Single Subject credentials beginning in 2003. The final issuance date for an initial Ryan Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential for California prepared teachers was January 1, 2012. The sunset date includes all routes for an extension by appeal. The final issuance date for an initial Ryan Clear Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential for California, out-of-state and out-of-country prepared teachers is January 1, 2018.