The Bridge Authorization is an added authorization that is an option for special education credential holders whose credential was issued prior to the new standards and is intended to result in these credential holders having authorizations that are equivalent in scope to the new Early Childhood Special Education (authorization code ECSE), Mild to Moderate Support Needs (authorization code MMSN), and Extensive Support Needs (authorization code ESN) authorizations.

Educators who hold a credential authorizing special education instruction that was issued under older standards and does not include the autism preparation must also hold the added authorization in autism spectrum disorders to be considered equivalent.  

Requirements for adding the Bridge Authorization

The requirements for an Education Specialist Bridge Authorization: Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, or Early Childhood Special Education include the following:

1. Possession of the appropriate prerequisite authorization aligned with the appropriate bridge authorization.
  • For MMSN, must hold an Education Specialist credential authorized in Mild/Moderate Disabilities with the added Autism Spectrum Disorder authorization or its equivalent.
  • For ESN, must hold an Education Specialist credential authorized in Moderate/Severe Disabilities or its equivalent.
  • For ECSE, must hold an Education Specialist credential authorized in Early Childhood Special Education or its equivalent.
2. Completion of the additional content identified in the newly adopted Teaching Performance Expectations that represent the content not covered during the initial preparation. Additional content may be verified or completed by one of the following options:
  • Completion of Coursework
    • Verified through a Commission-approved Preliminary Education Specialist Program Sponsor.
    • The program should provide the candidate with a completed form CL-904 or a letter on letterhead, signed by the Authorized Submitter or Authorized Designee, confirming that the individual has completed the content to qualify for the Bridge Authorization in the appropriate area.
  • Completion of professional development
    • Verified by an approved Preliminary Education Specialist Preparation Program, a Local Education Agency (LEA), a Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA), or state educational agencies that develop and adopt professional development aligned to the required content.
    • The LEA, SELPA, or state educational agency should provide the candidate with a completed form CL-904 or a letter on letterhead confirming that the individual has completed the content to qualify for the Bridge Authorization in the appropriate area should be provided to the educator. The verification should be signed by an Authorized Submitter, the SELPA director, or the head of human resources as appropriate for the office providing the professional development.
  • Confirmation of prior knowledge and experience via observational data, a portfolio submission, video demonstration, a performance assessment, or another means to show demonstrated competence approved by the employing Local Education Agency.
    • Verified by the credential holder’s employing Local Education Agency.
    • The LEA should provide the candidate with a completed form CL-904 or a letter on letterhead confirming that the individual has completed the content to qualify for the Bridge Authorization in the appropriate area. The verification should be signed by an Authorized Submitter, Authorized Designee, or the head of human resources as appropriate for the office providing the professional development.

Note: Coursework and professional development for the Bridge Authorization will not be part of an approved program sponsor’s accreditation activities. It is the responsibility of the verifying agency to ensure alignment with the additional content from the newly adopted Teaching Performance Expectations.

How to apply:

Individuals may submit their application packet through their employer or directly to the Commission through CTC Online. Visit Direct Application Submission for instructions on submitting your application online.

To apply for the Bridge Authorization, submit the following:

1. Completed online application (see Direct Application Submission).

2. Application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659).

3. Verification the applicant has completed the additional content specific to their credential.

CL-914  February 2026

Updated February 18, 2026