.png?sfvrsn=c28b72b1_10 "CA.Gov")
.png?sfvrsn=cd8b72b1_0 "Commission on Teacher Credentialing")
Use this comparison to begin identifying the aspects of programs that are important for your personal circumstances, then navigate to the individual pathway pages for more details. It is highly recommended that you consult a program advisor or counselor at your local educational agency or higher education institution before selecting the option that's right for you.
| Pathway | Reasons to Choose | Experience in Brief | Clinical Preparation | Completion Time |
| Residency | You have a BA/BS degree and are seeking a rigorous, supportive, hands-on teacher preparation experience that includes early income and immediate employment after completion. | Teach alongside an expert mentor while completing coursework. | Extensive clinical practice (at least half-time for a full academic year, the most clinically intensive pathway) under the guidance of a mentor teacher. | Preliminary credential after 1 to 2 years. |
| Traditional | You have a BA/BS degree and want to prepare to teach with hands-on learning experiences—but may wish to do so less intensively or even part-time. Wide selection of programs throughout California. | Complete teacher preparation courses that include an academic/theoretical focus, and a student teaching experience. | Experience leads up to student teaching (at least 600 hours), with coaching by mentor teacher offered at varying stages in program. | Preliminary credential after 1 to 2 years, or a longer period on a part-time basis. |
| Integrated Undergraduate | You're just starting out and eager to prepare to become a teacher while you earn your BA/BS degree. | Accelerated program blends BA/BS, teacher preparation courses, and clinical practice. | Experience leads up to student teaching (at least 600 hours), with coaching by mentor teacher offered at varying stages in program. | BA/BS and Preliminary credential in 4 to 5 years. |
| Intern | You have a BA/BS degree, some experience in the classroom, and want to start teaching and earning while you prepare for your teaching credential. | Serve as full-time teacher of record while also completing credentialing coursework. | Limited clinical preparation or coursework prior to becoming teacher of record (120-hour pre-service requirement). | Preliminary credential after 2 years. |
An additional note about permits and waivers:
It is possible to serve as a full-time teacher with an emergency permit or waiver. This approach allows candidates who have completed some or most of their credential requirements to gain early employment, though permit and waiver holders may only work in the LEA that employed them. Provisional Intern Permits (PIPs) are issued for one year; Short-Term Staff Permits (STSP) expire at the end of the academic year and cannot be renewed. Individuals who begin teaching with a permit or waiver are far less likely to stay in the profession, and often report feeling less prepared and supported.
Updated April 26, 2024