IMPORTANT: If you have not logged into the CTC Online system since February 2017, you probably do not have a registered User ID.  If you are unable to login, please visit Login Help for assistance.

Recommendations

When an individual completes an approved program to earn a credential or permit through a California college, university, school district, or other approved entity, they must be formally recommended for the document. This recommendation is submitted by the program via the Commission's CTC Online system. It is the educator's job to complete the recommendation by logging into their profile, completing the Professional Fitness Questions (PFQ), and completing payment for the document.

Applicants will receive an email notification when a recommendation is submitted and will be able to complete and pay for the application immediately. The payment process must be completed within 90 days or the application will be purged and a new recommendation will need to be submitted by the program.  

 

Complete Recommendation Diagram

Log into the CTC Online System

Log in with Your User ID and Password

If you have not logged into the CTC Online system since February 2017, you probably do not have a registered User ID.  Please see the information under Register using the Create Educator Account link, even if you were issued a document/credential or submitted an application prior to February 2017.

Registered users (new and existing educators) must now login with their User ID and Password.  

To login if you have a registered User ID:

  1. Click the Educator Login button on the Commission's Home page.
  2. Type your registered User ID and Password on the CTC Online Login page
  3. Then click Login.

    CTC Online Login page.

Typing Passwords

  • Type the password in the Password field.  Do not copy and paste the password, it will not work.
  • Make sure the CAPS lock is off.

Troubleshooting - Log In


The following message may appear:

"Invalid username/password specified."
This message will display when the User ID and Password are entered incorrectly or the account is locked.   

  • Review the information under the "Invalid username/password specified" item on the Login Help page for further assistance.
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Returning a Recommendation

If you see that the recommendation submitted by your program sponsor has an error then you have the option of returning the recommendation to the recommending agency with a description of the error in the Return Reason field. Be sure not to accidentally click Return Application to Authorized Agency unless there is a true error in the recommendation type. If this occurs, the recommending agency will need to re-submit the recommendation in order for you to complete the application. The Commission cannot retrieve recommendations that have been returned to the recommending agency.

Recommendation Return Reason field and Return Application button

Completing the Professional Fitness Questions (PFQs)

You must answer the Professional Fitness Questions in order to complete your online application. Information on completing the PFQs can be found in the links below.

Video - Complete Your Online Recommendation

This step-by-step video tutorial will guide users through the process of completing a recommendation using the CTC Online system.

Need more help?

When you submit an online application you are certifying (or declaring) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that all the statements in your application are true and correct.

Updated February 20, 2024