The items below are required to apply for an Education Specialist Instruction Credential based on preparation in another state when a teacher has less than two years of teaching experience earned outside of California. The Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a Special Education classroom, provided that the credential specialty area matches the disability areas of the students. Please note that this checklist is ONLY for submission of an online application, and details regarding certain items may differ from what is required to submit a paper application. To submit a paper application, please refer to Education Specialist Credential Requirements for Individuals Prepared Out-of-State (CL-808).

Before You Apply

You will need to obtain your fingerprint clearance. Please see below for information regarding how to complete fingerprinting depending on your situation.

  • Current credential holders: If you already have valid fingerprints on file with the Commission, it is not necessary to fingerprint each time you apply for a credential or permit. However, if your fingerprints are expired then you must re-establish fingerprints through one of the methods below. Details on how to check your fingerprint status can be found on CTC Online - Your Educator Account under the section Check the Status.
  • California residents and non-residents who reside in or are visiting California: Complete Live Scan with 41-LS form. Applicants may upload a copy of their Live Scan form to facilitate tracking if issues arise, but this is not required.
  • Non-residents who are unable to complete a California Live Scan: If you are unable to complete the Live Scan process then you cannot submit your applications online. You must instead request fingerprint cards (FD-258) using this online portal and submit the completed cards, along with a paper application and processing fees ($49 for fingerprint cards and $100 for the credential application).
  • NOTE: Fingerprints are not transferable between agencies, so fingerprinting completed for credentialing purposes and fingerprinting completed for employment purposes are separate.

Checklist for Online Application

RequirementItemImportant Details and Tips
Out-of-state teaching credential
  • Scanned copy, image, or screenshot of your full, professional-level teaching license from another state showing a comparable teaching authorization to the California credential requested.
  • NOTE: If your out-of-state license is issued in "Special Education" or in a specialty area that does not align with a California specialty area, you may be issued a California Preliminary credential based on completion of an out-of-state generic program in one of the following specialty areas: Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, or Early Childhood Special Education.
 Bachelor's degree
  • Official transcripts showing conferral of a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • If you earned your degree outside of the U.S., you cannot provide the official transcripts. You must obtain a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved agency. If you have any teaching credentials earned outside of the U.S., you should provide them to the evaluating agency as well.
  • For paper transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations, upload an electronic scan of the original, official paper transcripts or foreign transcript evaluation. All pages, front and back, must be scanned and uploaded. Clear photo images will also be accepted but must include all pages, front and back.
  • For electronic transcripts or foreign transcript evaluations, upload the original file sent to you by the college, transcript service provider, or foreign transcript evaluation agency.
  • The Commission reserves the right to request the original transcript or foreign transcript evaluation by mail to ensure authenticity.

 

Updated May 01, 2024