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California Teacher Reciprocity

California recognizes all states for teacher licensure reciprocity. Teachers are able to apply for a 5-year Preliminary Teaching Certification or a Professional Clear Teaching Certification. There are many different scenarios how one may attain teacher certification in California. Below we describe the typical protocol for attaining certification; however, you will want to make sure you are taking the correct path by reading the pdf link for Teachers Prepared Outside of California on this page, Here.

Follow the steps below and begin teaching in California:
  • Preliminary Teaching Certification
    • Must have completed application (41-4), Character and Identification form (41-CIC), and a copy of LiveScan form (41-LS). Download Applications Here, or Forms Here.
    • Have a Bachelor's Degree or higher. Find University Teacher Preparation Programs Here.
    • Attach copy of current Out of State Teaching Credential.
    • Verification of Teaching Experience (look for form on link above).
    • Evidence of satisfactory performance evaluations.

  • Professional Clear Teaching Certification
  • You can earn your Professional Teaching Certification various ways. Here we explain the two most popular.
    • Route 1: You do not have a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
      • Pass CBEST during of year of Preliminary Certification.
      • Complete 150 hours of professional development requirements and submit form CL-820A. Find form Here.
      • Complete all other application forms, 41-4 and 41-CIC
      • Attach copy of LiveScan Form (41-LS)
    • Route 2: You do have a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
      • Attach a copy of your National Board Certification to your application (Form 41-4)
      • Attach complete Character and Identification Clearance Form (41-CIC)
      • Attach copy of Live Scan Form (41-LS)
Send to this address:
California Commission On Teacher Credentialing
P.O. Box 944270
1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 94244-2700

If you have more Questions, Call (916)445-7254 or toll free at (888)921-2682

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.


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