California Teaching Credentials
How can I find out about my credential?!
Prepared by New Teacher Support & Development
Last updated July 29, 2024
California Teaching Credentials
Key Points:
CA Learning To Teach Continuum
Note: Does not include Emergency Permits for Preliminary/Clear Credential Holders teaching outside their credentialed area (e.g., GELAP, SELAP, Emergency CLAD, Emergency BCLAD)
3
Emergency Permits*
Different types with varied requirements.
PIP - valid for calendar year
STSP - valid for academic year
* These are temporary permits for at-will employment only.
Intern Credential
Requires acceptance and enrollment in an Intern Program, CSET/subject matter competence, and completion of the program’s preservice coursework.
Valid for two years
Preliminary Credential
Valid for 5 years; non-renewable and must meet clear credential requirements.
Note: Out-of-state or out-of-country transfers are determined on a case by case basis by the CTC and may be granted a Prelim with various requirements for obtaining the Clear Credential.
Clear Credential
Valid for 5 years; must pay to renew.
Considered “fully credentialed.”
Enroll in Intern Program
Complete an Intern Program
Complete OUSD Induction**
Complete a traditional Preparation Program
GOAL
** In some cases, other requirements apply. Check your own renewal reqs (slide 8).
How can I find out about my credential?
4
How can I find out about my credential?
5
2. Click on “Secured Search”
* If you are looking up a teacher on his/her behalf, you can use the “Public Search.” However, because only a name is required for a public look-up (and no other personal information), you will see a list of all credential holders with that name.
How can I find out about my credential?
6
3. Look yourself up on CTC using Social Security Number and Date of Birth. Information must be entered in the format requested by CTC.
Note: If you enter the information correctly but get an error message, please refer to this help page from CTC.
How can I find out about my credential?
7
4. A list of all the credentials/permits you’ve held with CTC will appear.
* You may have multiple issuances of one document. Make sure to view the most recently issued, valid document.
* If your credential or permit application was submitted recently, it may not yet have been processed by the CTC and may not appear. Check the CTC site’s “application status” for reference (usually a few months behind). → → →
Sample screenshot:
How can I find out about my credential?
8
5. Click on the “Document Number” next to a credential/permit to see more information on that credential/permit. The authorizations, renewal requirements and employment restrictions are towards the bottom of the page. Renewal Requirements are what you need to do to obtain the next credential. You can use THIS SHEET OF COMMON CODES to help you understand any renewal requirements listed.
What if I need help?
9
If you have trouble logging into the CTC site check here, or if you see any errors/discrepancies in your record, contact the CTC here. (Also here is the CTC’s Credentials FAQs page.)
If you have questions about your credential related to your OUSD employment, about your renewal requirements, or about an out-of-state transfer application, contact the OUSD Credentials team at credentials@ousd.org.
If you have questions about coaching support or professional learning for which you are eligible while holding an emergency permit, intern credential, or preliminary credential, check out the NTSD website and/or email newteachersupport@ousd.org.
If you have questions about finding and enrolling in an Intern Program, check out this information and then contact newteachersupport@ousd.org.