Credentialing

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The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is the local agency that provides credentialing services to school districts, charter schools, universities, and individuals across the county. SDCOE provides guidance and information on state requirements and regulations as well as reviews applications to ensure accuracy and completion before submitting to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for final approval.

Credential or Permit Application Submission

If you would like to submit a credential or permit application for processing, please either send them via U.S. mail, truck mail, drop off at our front gate, or walk-in at 6401 Linda Vista Road, Room 104, San Diego, CA 92111. Please allow three to four weeks for processing time.

Important Notices

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Office Hours and Locations

San Diego County Office of Education

6401 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111-7399

Phone: 858-298-2194
Check in outside Room 105

Live Scan Service

Monday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Credential Services

Monday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday thru Thursday walk-in from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

North County Regional Education Center

255 Pico Avenue
San Marcos, CA 92069

Phone: 858-298-2194
Check in Room 102

Live Scan Service

Monday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

Credential Services

Monday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Friday walk-in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

Learn more about Educator Preparation

Explore tools and information related to designated subjects, internship credentials, added authorization in special education, and induction by calling 858-295-8772.

Educator Preparation

Explore these topics:

Certificate of Clearances

To apply for a Certificate of Clearance, applicants must complete Live Scan fingerprinting (41-LS and Clearinghouse) and then apply online at the Commission of Teacher Credentialing website.

Change Your Name (opens in new window/tab)

To update your name with the Commission it is necessary to complete and submit form 41-NC along with all the requested documentation. Access the form online, then submit it to our office or send it directly to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing at 1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811-4213.

Child Development Permits

Applicants seeking a first-time, renewal, or upgrade to their Child Development Permit must first submit the required paperwork and fees.

Get a Copy of Your Credential

The CTC no longer prints nor mails a physical document to credential or permit holders. If you need a physical copy of your credential or permit, you will need to print a copy from the CTC website.

Out of Country Trained Teachers

Learn more about the requirements to teach in California if you are an educator was has been trained in another country.

Out of State Trained Teachers

Learn more about the requirements to teach in California if you are an educator was has been trained in another state.

If you need to register your credential with SDCOE, call 858-298-2194.

Renew a Credential Online

Renewing online three months prior to the expiration date usually allows enough time for the document to be granted and downloaded to our payroll system.

Submit a Paper Application

SDCOE is currently accepting all paper applications via U.S. mail at 6401 Linda Vista Road, Room 104, San Diego, CA 92111. Please allow approximately 3-4 weeks for processing time.

Substitute Teaching Permits

The Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit authorizes the holder to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom, including preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-12 inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults.

More to Explore

Clear Administrative Services Credential Program

Developing system leaders who build high-performing schools to ensure powerful learning for each and every student.

Program Overview

The San Diego County Office of Education offers a job-embedded, site-based, individualized coaching program as an approved pathway for clearing the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) authorizes the completion of an approved Clear Administrative Services Credential Induction Program as the only option for completing the Professional Administrative Services Credential, effective July 1, 2015.

Certification of the completion of all administrative credential requirements is accomplished through a two year program that includes one-on-one coaching with a skilled administrator, an individualized induction growth plan, professional learning, as well as a culminating portfolio/portal representing two years of leadership development as an instructional leader based upon the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSEL).

Program Requirements

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires that first-time administrators enter a Clear Administrative Services Credential Induction (CASC) Program no later than one year of being placed into their first administrative assignment. Once enrolled, the candidate will be assigned an SDCOE approved administrator coach within 30 days.

A cohort format is utilized to allow candidates to enroll in the program throughout the year. Depending on the time of entry into the CASC program, candidates will be assigned to either a Fall Cohort (July 1–June 30) or Spring Cohort (January 1 – December 30).

Admission Requirements

Complete Program Application (see below)
Possess a valid Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
- If you have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) you will need to activate it to a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Please work with your Credentialing Department and/or Human Resources to complete this.
Employed in a full-time administrative position in a California public school, non-public school, or private school.
You will need to provide proof of employment before the start of your cohort.

Apply Online

Program Cost/Tuition

The total cost for administrators to be a part of the two-year clear credential program is $7,500. Please see below for a tuition breakdown:

$200 Application Fee (non-refundable and payment is made when application is submitted)
$3,650 per year

Payment Plan Information

Payment plan options are available and are shared once you are accepted into the CASC Program.

Selecting a payment plan that best fits your needs will help ensure your full tuition balance is paid in full prior to graduation from the program.

Payments can be made by check, money order, or credit/debit card (if paying by credit/debit card a 3 percent service fee will apply). In addition, SDCOE is partnering with Sallie Mae to provide the Smart Option Student Loan to support candidates with loan and payment options.

CASC Leadership Coaching Seminars (CLCS)

Join us for a year-long series of 14 Leadership Coaching Seminars (CLCS) designed to deepen your leadership practice and empower your work as an instructional leader. Topics span key areas of instructional improvement, equity-centered leadership, and systemic change.

Current SDCOE CASC Participants are encouraged to register for any of the 14 sessions. Participation in the CLCSs sessions provides valuable opportunities to deepen your leadership practice alongside fellow cohort members and experienced facilitators.

Sessions run monthly from September to May. View the full schedule, topics, and register at CASC Leadership Coaching Seminars.

Year 1 Requirements

During the first year of the program, candidates are responsible for completing:

Administrative Mentoring and Coaching

Candidates meet with an SDCOE assigned Administrator Coach for 40 to 60 hours each year. Coaching sessions are intended to provide Candidates job-embedded support for the purpose of building instructional leadership practice in the six CPSEL areas for the improvement of teaching and learning.

Administrative Program Assessment Survey

Candidates complete the Tier II Administrative Program Self‐Assessment (online) with their Administrator Coach. The survey asks the Candidate to reflect upon their current state of leadership development in each of the 6 CPSEL areas. The results of the assessment inform the development of the Individual Induction Growth Plan (IGP).

The Individualized Induction Growth Plan

Candidates complete an Individualized Induction Growth Plan (IGP) comprised of three goals with action plans based upon three of the six CPSELS. The IGP is job-embedded and connected closely to the actual work of the candidate in their job.

Professional Learning

Candidates are responsible for completing and documenting evidence of 40 hours of professional development that support the goals in the IGP as well as growth in all six CPSEL areas. These hours may include workshops, professional development, and similar professional learning activities.

Year 2 Requirements

During the second year in the program, candidates are responsible for completing:

Administrative Mentoring and Coaching

Administrative Program Self Assessment

The program candidate completes the CPSEL self-assessment at the beginning of year 2 and again when they exit the program. The purpose of the assessment is to demonstrate a candidate's growth from induction to program exit.

The Individual Induction Growth Plan

Candidates complete an Individualized Induction Growth Plan (IGP) comprised of the three goals with action plans based upon the remaining three CPSELS. The IGP is job-embedded and connected closely to the actual work of the candidate in their job.

Professional Learning Hours

Candidates are responsible for completing and documenting evidence of 40 hours of professional development that support the SMART goals in the IGP as well as growth in all six CPSEL areas. These hours may include workshops, professional development, and similar professional learning activities.

Portfolio and Exit Presentation

The portfolio provides tangible evidence of the Candidate’s development in the six CPSEL areas as an instructional leader over the two‐year period. Candidates participate in an exit interview. Upon approval of the committee, SDCOE validates the completion of the program and assists the Candidate in obtaining the Clear Administrative Services Credential from CTC.

Verification of Experience (VOE)

Candidate's will need to provide a letter of experience verified by their current and/or previous employer. The letter should state the completion of two years of successful experience in a full-time administrative position.

A sample letter can be found in the CASC Program Handbook, which is provided at the start of the cohort.

The VOE is emailed to the CASC administrative assistant prior to the candidate's exit interview. This letter is required to clear the candidate's credential with CTC.

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casc contacts

Alex Cortes
Program Director / Executive Leadership Coach
alex.cortes@sdcoe.net
858-295-8928

Janet Medrano
Administrative Assistant
cascprogram@sdcoe.net.
858-298-2177

For program inquiries, please email cascprogram@sdcoe.net.

English Learner Authorization

English learners must be taught by teachers holding an appropriate credential containing the English Learner Authorization or by teachers holding an Emergency CLAD Permit while participating in an approved training program to receive the formal English Learner Authorization. For information about the California Department of Education’s compliance monitoring, contact the California Department of Education's English Learner Accountability Unit at 916-319-0938, or reach out to SDCOE.

Further detailed information can be obtained from the following leaflets or websites:

English-Language Development (ELD) or English as a Second Language (ESL) is a content subject area. English-Language Development is instruction appropriate for the level of language proficiency as identified for each English-Learner student. The instruction is designed to promote the effective and efficient acquisition of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skill of the student. Service is restricted to the grade level of the document.

Preliminary Administrative Services Credential Program

Developing system leaders who build high-performing schools to ensure powerful learning for each and every student.

SDCOE's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program is designed to prepare experienced educators for the challenges of school leadership. The credential allows you to serve in a variety of administrative roles, which may include principal, assistant principal, program manager, coordinator, and others depending on your district. Gaining your PASC will expand your opportunities as an educator.

Learn more about the PASC Program.

Learn more about the Special Education Leadership Academy, a collaboration between the SDCOE PASC program and the South County SELPA.

Click here to apply for the PASC Program

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pasc program contacts

Joseph Frescatore
Executive Leadership Coach
PASC Program Director
joseph.frescatore@sdcoe.net
858-295-8921

Tiffny Jones
Administrative Assistant
PASC Program
pascprogram@sdcoe.net
858-295-6320

Commission on Teacher Credentialing Information

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is the state agency that issues California credentials. All applications submitted to the CTC may take three to five months to be processed. For this reason, it is recommended that you submit your application packet through a County Office of Education or employing school district.

Submitting your application packet through an employing district or through a County Office of Education can provide better service and understanding of the credentialing requirements in California. The SDCOE Credentials Unit offers Temporary County Certificates for employment at school districts within San Diego County for those who meet eligibility and fingerprint requirements. These certificates are not available to those who have been convicted of a violent or serious felony (Sec. 44332) and are not available from the CTC.

Because the CTC no longer accepts electronic or e-Transcripts, you must bring official transcripts and a photocopy of those transcripts when submitting an application packet.

Contact the CTC

State of California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
651 Bannon St., Ste 600
Sacramento, CA 95811

CTC Contact Form

View Applications, Forms, Leaflets, and Manuals

CTC Fee Information

The fee submitted with a paper application packet through the SDCOE office must be in the form of a money order or cashier's check made payable to Commission on Teacher Credentialing or CTC.

Application Fees

All Permits and Credentials: $100
Certificate of Clearance: $50

Other Fees

Renewal of All Permits and Credentials: $100 (online renewals are $102.50)
Adding an Authorization to Existing Credential: $100
Certificate of Completion of Staff Development: $50
Certificate of Eligibility: $50
Exchange of LDS / BCC: $50

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact an SDCOE Credential Technician at sdcred@sdcoe.net.

Approved Programs of Training for California Credentials

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has created interactive data dashboards to improve the access, transparency, and accountability of this data. By visualizing data, users can more effectively ask and answer specific questions about Commission data.

Educator Supply and Demand data dashboards and Educator Assignment data dashboards are now available. Future data dashboards will include Institutional Profile for Accredited Institutions and Educator Preparation Programs.

View Approved Institutions and Programs

Commonly Used Links and Forms

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main contacts

Email Us

sdcred@sdcoe.net

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