The items below are required to apply for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential based on preparation in another state when a teacher has two or more years of teaching experience earned outside of California. The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom and is most frequently used in primary school settings, which includes elementary schools and some middle schools and K-8 schools. 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 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared Out-of-State (CL-560).

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 you only have Middle School grades on your out-of-state license, you may apply for either a Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential, but not both.
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.
Verification of two or more years of teaching experience
  • Experience must be full-time and indicate beginning and ending dates of hire.
  • Signed by Superintendent, Asst. Superintendent, or HR personnel.
  • The letter must be a scanned copy of an original letter or an electronic PDF. If the letter is a scanned copy, the original letter that was scanned must be signed with a wet ink signature. If the letter is an electronic PDF, it must be signed with an acceptable electronic signature. Screenshots are not acceptable.
  • Must be on official school or district letterhead.
  • Service record forms will also be accepted in lieu of a letter, as long as they contain all the required information.
Two summative annual performance evaluations OR a supplemental evaluation letter

 Option 1: Two summative annual performance evaluations.

  • Performance must be rated “satisfactory” or better, or the state’s equivalent.
  • Evaluations must correspond to at least two years of the verified experience in the letter.
  • Scanned copies or an electronic PDF are acceptable but screenshots are not acceptable.
  • Must be summative year-end evaluations, we cannot accept single classroom observations, self-reflections, or letters of recommendation.

 Option 2: A supplemental evaluation letter.

  • Letter must verify applicant satisfactorily met these four professional teaching standards:
    • The use of teaching strategies that motivate all students to engage in the learning process.
    • The ability to establish and maintain high standards for student behavior.
    • A demonstration of deep knowledge of the subject being taught and the use of appropriate instructional strategies that promote student understanding.
    • An ability to plan and implement a sequence of appropriate instructional activities.
  • The supplemental evaluation letter must be a scanned copy of an original letter or an electronic PDF. If the letter is a scanned copy, the original letter that was scanned must be signed with a wet ink signature. If the letter is an electronic PDF, it must be signed with an acceptable electronic signature. Screenshots are not acceptable.
  • Must be on official school or district letterhead.
  • Signed by an administrator.

 

Updated May 01, 2024