Requirements for Teaching Continuing Education in California
Teaching in California
Learning how to become a licensed teacher in California can be challenging but rewarding process. Future educators must demonstrate their abilities to teach students through a series of exams and assessments before becoming eligible to apply for licensure. Licensing varies state by state, but candidates in the Golden State must meet several requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree
- Passing exam scores (these vary depending on the area of concentration and prior qualifications of each candidate)
- Completion of an educator preparation program
The path to certification is different for every candidate, but all of California's future teachers should familiarize themselves with the requirements for their desired license. This article discusses the licensing process for teachers in traditional classroom settings. However, there are separate credentialing processes for alternate types of teaching. For example, both substitute and emergency teaching certifications require a 30-day permit.
Complete an Educator Preparation Program in California
Successful completion of a teacher preparation program is an essential step towards becoming an educator. Anyone who aspires to become a teacher in California must gain acceptance into an accredited preparation program and complete the requirements outlined by their college or university. Upon completion of an educator preparation program, candidates become eligible to apply for licensure, provided that they have completed their bachelor's degree and passed all necessary exams.
Education preparation programs in California include both coursework and fieldwork requirements. State curriculum is set by the California Department of Education via the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and includes the study of both teaching pedagogy and the development of skills and knowledge necessary to teach. Fieldwork happens in the classroom and away from the university setting. Per the CTC, 600 hours of fieldwork are required. This may be completed by student teaching, co-teaching, or interning.
California is home to many highly regarded teaching programs, including University of California - Los Angeles, University of California - Irvine, Point Loma Nazarene University, Loyola Marymount University, and University of Southern California.
California Teacher Education Requirements
Educators in California are required to complete coursework related to developing English Language Skills. This prepares teachers to best communicate with students who may not speak English at home, or who speak it as a second language. Credits related to the U.S. Constitution are also required in California.
Individual mandates for specific classes or fieldwork experience vary from one college or university to another. Some programs may require students to complete a capstone project that is usually related to their student-teaching experience.
CBEST vs CSET: Which Test Should You Take?
There are two primary exams teachers must take in California: CBEST and CSET. The California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) is meant to test proficiency in basic skills all teachers should have in order to educate. This four-hour test is usually taken prior to acceptance into an education program. The CBEST covers math, reading, and writing and is mandatory for all educators in the state.
In contrast, the CSET is divided into different subject areas specialized for the field the candidate plans to enter. It is required to become licensed as a teacher, but is sometimes required by education schools for admissions purposes. Determining when each student completes the CSET depends on their university requirements and personal plan, but it's always a good idea to do the CSET registration early if possible.
As of summer 2021, students can bypass taking both the CBEST and CSET if they provide proof of certain coursework and grade requirements. For the CBEST, this can include ACT or SAT scores, AP exam scores, or coursework in subjects related to reading, writing, or math proficiency. For the CSET, exemption can be granted upon submission of a CSET Waiver, which should provide proof of sufficient coursework that demonstrates a candidate's ability to teach within a certain content area or grade level.
Those who plan to teach as substitute teachers can just take the CBEST and earn their substitute teaching license. However, traditional teachers must take both the CBEST and the CSET. Students planning on taking either the CSET Writing Skills or CSET Multiple Subjects exams can be exempted from the CBEST.
The Praxis Test is not required in California.
Requirements for Exemption from the CBEST
Proof of one of the following exempting qualifications means a future educator can skip the CBEST altogether:
- SAT score: 550 on math AND 500 on English
- ACT score: 23 on math AND 22 on English
- AP Exam score: 3 on AP English AND 3 on AP Calculus or AP Statistics
- CSET Multiple Subject: Passing score AND writing examination
- California State University Early Assessment Program: passing score in English and Math)
- CSU Placement Examinations: passing score in English and Entry Level Mathematics
Exemption can also be granted for those who have completed a qualifying basic skills test in another state.
Additional Testing for Multiple Subject Teaching or Special Education
Students attempting to obtain licensure in either of the above specialties must also complete the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA). The assessment can be completed as either a written exam or a video performance assessment. A passing grade indicates that the educator is able to provide effective reading instruction within their grade-level or specialty.
Additional California Teacher Certification Requirements
Before achieving your initial California teaching license, candidates must submit for a criminal background check as well as fingerprinting through LiveScan.
Every teacher must pass the California Teaching Performance Assessment to complete their permanent teaching credential (also called a "clear credential"). The assessment is a long-form demonstration of teaching practices, including lesson plans and supplemental materials, as well as sample videos of the candidate in the classroom setting. The exam is usually completed by the candidate during their student teaching experience.
California Teaching License Application Process
Finally, candidates who have met these requirements can apply for their preliminary teaching license! Applications, CBEST and CSET waiver, transcripts, score reports, LiveScan certificate of clearance, and fees should be submitted to the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Applications are usually processed within 50 business days. In general, candidates will know ahead of time if they have completed all the necessary steps to obtain their teaching license. If applications are returned, it may be because some information is missing, and the applicant must resubmit with the requested information. If the certification is granted, the candidate now has a preliminary teaching license in the state of California.
Alternative Paths to Licensure for California Teachers
Aspiring educators who do not have a bachelor's degree in education can join an alternative teaching certification program in California to become licensed. The District Intern and University Intern programs are achievable for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching subject area. DIC programs go through public schools, and candidates earn their fieldwork hours in their own classroom. UICs are done through state universities and more closely resembles a traditional education preparation program. These programs allow candidates to complete their coursework and fieldwork at the same time. After completion of these programs, intern certificate candidates become eligible to apply for their teaching license.
Just like traditional education preparation programs, the Intern Certificate program requires coursework related to English-language education and the U.S. Constitution.
In California, teachers can also achieve alternate certification through private school experience rather than student teaching experience. Completion of an accredited teacher preparation program is still required. Teachers with 6+ years of private school experience can be exempt from a teaching preparation program altogether. There are also alternate certification options available through the Peace Corps or through the Sojourn Certification for foreign language and ESL teachers. These fast track teacher certification options in California are meant to ensure future educators can enter the workforce as quickly as possible.
Certification in California for Out-of-State Educators
Educators who already hold a teaching license in a state other than California may transfer their license to California by following the directions specific to their teaching credentials. In general, out-of-state applicants must provide an application form and fee, transcripts, and copies of existing teaching licenses. To prevent the California Department of Education from requiring you to complete any teacher certification steps again, it's advised to also send proof of an examination that meets the same requirements as the CBEST requirements (or sufficient qualifications to be exempt). Upon verification of these criteria, out-of-state applicants will be officially licensed in California.
California does not have full reciprocity for out of state teachers, and there are no exemptions for coursework requirements. Teachers with less than 2 years of experience will be granted a preliminary certification, while more experienced teachers can apply for their clear certification.
Opportunities for Advancement & Development for California Teachers
Upon successfully obtaining a preliminary teaching license, educators have five years before they need to apply for their clear credential. During this time, teachers must complete a teacher induction program under the mentorship of an experienced educator. After achieving a clear credential, it must be renewed every 5 years.
There are many opportunities for advancement and development for teachers in California. Earning a master's degree in education or a specialized subject can help a teacher increase their salary, as can completing "steps"(essentially meaning a teacher has many years of experience and has increased their salary incrementally each year). Teachers can also participate in professional development by attending seminars or workshops. However, there is no state requirement for professional development and licenses can be renewed without any extra qualifications.
California Teacher Employment Outlook & Salary
Teachers in California make an average salary of around $80,000, with secondary education teachers making slightly more (around $85,000). Job availability is expected to increase for teachers in upcoming years,
The Los Angeles Unified School District is the second largest school district in the United States. With around 70% of the student population being Latinx, ESL and English language teachers are in very high demand.
Even though there are well over 300,000 teachers in the state of California, the students still outnumber the educators in drastic numbers. In the LAUSD, there is a 24:1 student to teacher ratio. For the state of California as a whole, the ratio is about 21:1. This is drastically higher than the national average of 15.5:1.
Expert Contributor
Bryan McMahon
Bryan McMahon, M.A. is a high school biology and special education teacher in New Jersey with over 14 years of experience. He has hundreds of hours of experience tutoring aspiring teachers to take the CSET/CBEST exam suite. He has successfully passed the science and special education Praxis exams. Bryan completed a B.S. in Education from Seton Hall University and an M.A. in Teaching from Mangrove College.
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