Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credentials
Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credentials authorize the holder to teach in the disability areas of specialization such as Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairments, Physical and Health Impairments, and Early Childhood Special Education. One or more of the authorizations may be listed on the document for service in the following settings:
- Special day classes
- Special schools
- Home/hospital settings
- Correctional facilities
- Nonpublic schools and agencies
- Resource rooms
Information for All Candidates
- Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credential Guide
- What's New in Special Education?
- Authorization Statements for credentials under new programs (effective 06/27/2010)
- How to Apply
- Renewing Your Credential
- Processing Fees
- More Resources
California Prepared Candidates
Out-of-State Prepared Candidates
- Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credentials - Individuals Prepared Out-of-State
- Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credentials -- Worksheet for Individuals Prepared Out-of-State
Out-of-Country Prepared Candidates
- Special Education (Education Specialist Instruction) Credentials -- Individuals Prepared Outside of the United States
- Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Additional Resources
- FAQ -- Special Education Teaching and Services Credentials[PDF]
- Documents Eligible for Added Authorizations [PDF]
- Subject-Matter Competence for the Education Specialist Credential [PDF]
- Commission-Approved Professional Preparation Programs
- Charts
- Special Education Authorizations Chart [PDF]
- Special Education Glossary[PDF]
- Changes in Authorizations Effective June 26, 2010 [PDF]
- Documents Eligible for APE, ECSE, RSP Added Authorizations [PDF]
- Adding a Full Specialty Area to an Existing Education Specialist Credential [PDF]
- Certificate of Eligibility and Teaching Experience Requirement
- Transition Plan and Individualized Induction Plan
- Federal Disability Definitions
- Title 5 California Code of Regulations Section 80048.3- External Webpage...
- Education Code 44265- External Webpage...
Updated December 18, 2023