No degree yet: the traditional route
For high school students, college students and anyone without a bachelor's degree. You earn the degree and the teacher preparation in one program.
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California-prepared)
Candidates earn a bachelor's degree, verify subject matter competence and complete a Commission-approved teacher preparation program that includes a teaching performance assessment, reading instruction, computer technology and health education with CPR. The program sponsor then formally recommends the candidate for a Preliminary credential, which is issued for a maximum of five years. The credential is cleared by completing a Commission-approved teacher induction program.
- Earn a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Hold a valid permit or credential, or apply for a Certificate of Clearance, before program admission.
- Verify subject matter competence through the CSET, an approved subject matter program, coursework or a qualifying degree major.
- Complete a Commission-approved preparation program, including the teaching performance assessment.
- Meet the US Constitution requirement by course or exam.
- Get a formal recommendation from your program sponsor for the Preliminary credential.
- Complete a Commission-approved induction program to earn the Clear credential.
Bachelor's in another field: the alternative route
For people who already hold a bachelor's degree in a subject other than education.
University Internship Credential
Intern credentials let candidates teach while completing a Commission-approved intern program of one to two years run by a California college or university with local employing agencies. Interns need a bachelor's degree, subject matter competence, the US Constitution requirement and the minimum 120 hours of intern preservice preparation, and the program sponsor submits the application. The intern credential is valid for two calendar years and limited to one employing agency, and completers are recommended for a five-year Preliminary credential.
- Earn a bachelor's degree and verify subject matter competence.
- Meet the US Constitution requirement.
- Enroll in a Commission-approved intern program.
- Complete the minimum 120-hour intern preservice preparation.
- Have the program sponsor submit your intern credential application.
- Pass the literacy assessment and teaching performance assessment and finish the program to be recommended for a Preliminary credential.
Changing careers into teaching in California
If you already have a bachelor's degree and some years in another job, start with the alternative route described above. It is built for people who did not study education.
For pay context, the median annual wage for high school teachers in California was $101,370 in May 2025, according to the BLS OEWS state estimates. If your background matches a subject on the state's shortage list, that list is further down this page.
State-approved alternative certification programs
Not confirmed in the agency pages we could check; check with the agency.
The agency keeps the official list here: approved programs in California.
Licensed in another state
For teachers who hold a license from another state and want to teach in California.
Teachers prepared outside California
Teachers who hold a comparable professional-level teaching credential from another state or US territory can apply through CTC Online or through their employer. Those with less than two years of full-time out-of-state teaching receive a five-year Preliminary credential and must complete induction, subject matter competence if not yet met, and an English learner authorization to clear it. Those with at least two years of full-time experience and satisfactory evaluations are exempt from induction, and National Board certified teachers in the matching area can receive a Clear credential.
- Confirm you hold a comparable professional-level teaching credential from another state.
- Gather transcripts, a copy of the credential and, if applicable, employer letters verifying two years of full-time teaching and evaluations.
- Complete fingerprinting if not previously submitted.
- Apply through CTC Online or your employer and pay the processing fee.
- Complete any remaining clear credential requirements, such as induction, subject matter competence or an English learner authorization.
Required tests, codes and qualifying scores
California uses CBEST, CSET, CalTPA and NES Foundations of Reading for teacher licensure. The table lists the core tests by license area, with the qualifying score and fee exactly as the source publishes them. Which tests you take depends on the license area you are seeking, so check the full list for your subject before you register.
| Test | Code | Qualifying score | Fee | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Basic Educational Skills Test (reading, mathematics, writing) CBEST · Basic skills | A total score of 123 for all 3 sections | $30 per section | One option for the basic skills requirement; most applicants now meet the requirement through their bachelor's degree Source | |
| CSET: Multiple Subjects CSET · Subject knowledge | 101, 214, 225 | 220 per subtest | $99 per subtest taken separately; $247 for all subtests taken together | Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (subject matter competence by exam) Source |
| CSET: English CSET · Subject knowledge | 105, 106, 107, 108 | 220 per subtest | Subtest I: $72; Subtests II, III and IV: $75 per subtest; $297 for all subtests taken together | Single Subject Teaching Credential in English Source |
| CSET: Mathematics CSET · Subject knowledge | 211, 212, 213 | 220 per subtest | $99 per subtest | Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics (Subtests I, II and III) Source |
| CSET: Science CSET · Subject knowledge | 215 plus one of 217, 218, 219, 220 | 220 per subtest | $133 for Subtest I; $134 for Subtest II; $267 for both subtests taken together | Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science (general science plus a concentration) Source |
| CSET: Social Science CSET · Subject knowledge | 114, 115, 116 | 220 per subtest | $99 per subtest taken separately; $297 for all subtests taken together | Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science Source |
| California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA, Version 02) CalTPA · Performance assessment | Math Cycle or Cycle 1: a final cut score of 16 points; Literacy Cycle or Cycle 2: a final cut score of 16 points | $150 per cycle | PK-3 Early Childhood Education, Multiple Subject, Single Subject and World Language credentials (2026-27 standards) Source | |
| Education Specialist CalTPA (Version 01) CalTPA · Performance assessment | Math Cycle: a final cut score of 16 points; Literacy Cycle: a final cut score of 16 points | $150 per cycle | Education Specialist credentials: Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Extensive Support Needs, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Visual Impairments (2026-27 standards) Source | |
| Foundations of Reading NES (Pearson) · Reading instruction | 890 | Not published | Not published | Literacy requirement for candidates who cannot complete the Literacy Performance Assessment, such as teachers prepared in another country or private school teachers seeking Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credentials Source |
Scores and fees change. Confirm both on the testing company's page before you register.
Fees, background check and license validity
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Application for a credential, certificate, permit or added authorization | $100 | Source |
| Clear credential renewal (as of July 1, 2026) | $125 | Source |
| Certificate of Clearance | $50 | Source |
| Online transaction service fee | $2.65 | Source |
| Fingerprint processing for applicants outside California (FD-258 cards) | $49 | Source |
Background check
Every applicant for a California credential, certificate, permit or waiver must obtain fingerprint clearance from the California Department of Justice and the FBI through the Commission, even if cleared by another agency or state. California residents take Form 41-LS to a Live Scan location and pay the operator, while applicants outside California apply online first, then mail Commission-issued FD-258 cards with a $49 processing fee. Fee: $49 for out-of-state fingerprint cards; the Live Scan fee is set by the operator. Source
Your first license
License: Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. It is valid for Up to 5 years. Not renewable. It is cleared by completing a Commission-approved teacher induction program, or by National Board Certification in a matching generalist area. Source
Renewal
Clear teaching credentials are renewed online through CTC Online and can be renewed without additional coursework or service requirements. Renewal can be filed up to one year before expiration. Five-year Preliminary credentials cannot be renewed and must be cleared before they expire. Requirement: No additional coursework or service required for Clear credentials. Source
Teacher pay in California
Elementary teachers in California earned a median of $99,650 a year in May 2025, $35,680 above the national median of $63,970. Half of teachers in each occupation earn more than the median and half earn less. What you earn in a given district depends on its salary schedule, your experience and any graduate credits.
| Teachers | Median | Mean | US median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary SOC 25-2021 | $99,650 | $95,670 | $63,970 |
| Middle school SOC 25-2022 | $98,950 | $94,680 | $64,370 |
| High school (secondary) SOC 25-2031 | $101,370 | $105,880 | $72,040 |
| Special education, elementary SOC 25-2052 | $97,170 | $93,510 | $65,120 |
| Special education, middle school SOC 25-2057 | $101,530 | $99,830 | $66,810 |
| Special education, secondary SOC 25-2058 | $101,060 | $102,780 | $74,260 |
Annual wages, cross-industry estimates, from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 state tables, retrieved through the BLS Public Data API on November 7, 2026. Special education teachers are shown separately; our guide to the online master's in special education covers the add-on and initial-license options.
Teacher shortage areas, 2026-27
California reported these subject areas to the US Department of Education as teacher shortage areas for the 2026-27 school year.
- Core Subjects: Elementary Education (statewide)
- Language Arts (statewide)
- Social Studies (statewide)
Source: US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas report, retrieved November 7, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What tests do you need to become a teacher in California?
California uses CBEST, CSET, CalTPA and NES Foundations of Reading. Core tests include California Basic Educational Skills Test (reading, mathematics, writing); CSET: Multiple Subjects (101, 214, 225); CSET: English (105, 106, 107, 108); CSET: Mathematics (211, 212, 213). Qualifying scores and fees for each test are in the table on this page. The exact list depends on your license area, so confirm it with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing before you register.
Can you become a teacher in California without a teaching degree?
Yes, if you hold a bachelor's degree. Intern credentials let candidates teach while completing a Commission-approved intern program of one to two years run by a California college or university with local employing agencies. See our guide to alternative teacher certification for how these programs compare.
How much does a teaching license cost in California?
Published fees include Application for a credential, certificate, permit or added authorization: $100; Clear credential renewal (as of July 1, 2026): $125; Certificate of Clearance: $50; background check: $49 for out-of-state fingerprint cards; the Live Scan fee is set by the operator. Add the cost of your required tests (listed above) and your preparation program. Fees change, so confirm current amounts with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Does California accept teaching licenses from other states?
Teachers who hold a comparable professional-level teaching credential from another state or US territory can apply through CTC Online or through their employer. Contact the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing before you move to confirm which tests or coursework, if any, you will need.
How much do teachers make in California?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates, median annual pay in California was $99,650 for elementary teachers, $98,950 for middle school teachers and $101,370 for high school teachers. Pay varies by district, experience and education.
Sources
- Credentials California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared in California (CL-561C) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared Outside of California (CL-561) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- University Internship Credentials (CL-402A) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Basic Skills Requirement (CL-667) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Fee Schedule Information (CL-659) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Renewal and Reissuance of Credentials (CL-494) California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Renew Your Document California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Fees and Fingerprinting California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Approved Institutions and Programs California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CBEST Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CSET: Multiple Subjects Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CSET: English Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CSET: Mathematics Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CSET: Science Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CSET: Social Science Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CalTPA Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- CalTPA Passing Standards for 2026-2027 Operational Administration Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Education Specialist CalTPA Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- National Evaluation Series Foundations of Reading Pearson Evaluation Systems (CTC Exams) (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state estimates, California US Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed November 7, 2026)
- BLS Public Data API (OEWS series OEUS060000000000025202113, OEUS060000000000025202213, OEUS060000000000025203113 and related) US Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed November 7, 2026)
- Teacher Shortage Areas report, 2026-27 US Department of Education (accessed November 7, 2026)