Prelingually Deaf Candidates 

With the passage of AB 49 (Chap. 147, Stats. 2006), the doors were opened so that individuals who are prelingually deaf may apply for all teaching and services credential types that have basic skills as a requirement. The credentials are restricted to service in state special schools or in classes for students who are deaf or hearing impaired. Qualified individuals may be exempted from the basic skills examinations by substituting a performance assessment that is completed by a three person panel through their employing agency. The assessment process is fully explained in the "Guide for Verifying the Proficiency of Prelingually Deaf Credential Candidates."

The minimum requirements for a two-year preliminary teaching credential include all of the following:

• A baccalaureate or higher degree, except a degree in professional education, from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; 
• Completion of a Commission-approved professional teacher preparation program;
• Demonstration of a knowledge of various methods of teaching reading, the study of alternative methods of developing English language skills, and the study of integrated methods of teaching language arts; 
• Verify subject matter competence by passage of a subject matter examination or completion of a Commission-approved subject matter program; and
• Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the US Constitution.

The minimum requirements for a two-year preliminary services credential include all of the following:

• A baccalaureate or higher degree, except a degree in professional education, from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; 
• Completion of a Commission-approved fifth year of study or Master’s degree program completed at a regionally accredited institution in the credential authorization(s); and
• Specialized and professional preparation including completion of a Commission approved services credential program, supervised field experience, or a practicum with school-aged children.

In addition, statute includes the following requirements for individuals who are prelingually deaf and wish to be exempt from the basic skills proficiency test:

• Verification from a physician or licensed audiologist that the applicant is prelingually deaf as defined in Education Code section 44265.8(c) that prevents the processing of linguistic information through hearing with or without amplification.
• Verification by an employer of on-the-job proficiency with deaf or hard of hearing students as attested to by a three-person panel is required after two years of employment on the basis of the prelingually deaf credential have been completed.

Qualified applicants receive a two-year preliminary credential. During the two years, they are required to complete a job-related assessment that involves interviews, observations, and portfolio assignments. After completion of the assessment, employing agencies may submit recommendations for the remainder of the three-year preliminary teaching or services credential to allow time for completion of any remaining requirements for the clear credential. The document will continue to be restricted to service in special schools and classes for the hearing impaired. Applicants who completed their professional preparation program outside of California are not eligible for the credential under the provisions of this statute. The assessment process is fully explained in the "Guide for Verifying the Proficiency of Prelingually Deaf Credential Candidates."

Prelingually deaf candidates being recommended through a Commission-approved program sponsor must submit a paper application for processing; the online recommendation process may not be used for these applications.

Updated June 5, 2017