Out of Country Trained Teachers

 

California has a two-tier credential structure. A preliminary credential is the first document issued after an individual meets basic requirements. The preliminary credential is issued for a maximum of five years. A clear credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed. If requirements for the clear credential are not completed before the expiration of the preliminary, the holder will not be able to teach in California's public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the document is renewed. Please contact a credential technician if you have questions regarding this matter.

• The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as those in a preschool, K-12, inclusive, or in classes organized primarily for adults. Most assignments are in an elementary classroom.
• The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in middle and high schools. 
• The Education Specialist Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in the area of specialization listed on the credential. These areas include Mild/Moderate Disabilities (M/M), Moderate/Severe Disabilities (M/S), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Visual Impairments (VI), Physical and Health Impairments (PHI), and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).

Teachers Trained Out of the Country

Requirements for the Preliminary Credential for individuals prepared outside of the United States may consist of the following:

• A Certificate of Clearance (watch how-to video) issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (first-time applications) go online and apply at www.ctc.ca.gov. This will cost $52.65, but you will get a $50 discount when you apply for your CA credential
• A copy of the Live Scan request form returned to you by the fingerprint technician (Learn about SDCOE fingerprinting services.)
• Official Foreign Transcript Evaluation with your Bachelor's degree or higher showing all professional preparation including student teaching and a photocopy of same (the originals will be returned to you) Reminder: US territories do not need a Foreign Transcripts evaluation. Please use the "I have a credential in another state or US territory" section above to determine your requirements. 
• Verification that you were issued or eligible for a comparable teaching credential earned in a country other than the United States. The credential does not have to be valid at the time of application. A photocopy of the credential is acceptable verification of this requirement.
• A completed Temporary County Certificate form
• An application fee of $50 (or $100 if you are not using a Certificate of Clearance credit) will be collected when you complete the online recommendation submitted by our office

Once you complete a completed application, our office will recommend you for the document online. You will be required to pay for the document online and once your Certificate of Clearance and payment confirmation is verified, we will activate a temporary county certificate within a few days. 

Once you are issued the 5 year preliminary, you will also be required to complete the following to clear the document: 

• Coursework in Developing English Language Skills including Reading
• A course or exam on U.S. Constitution 
• Subject Matter Competence – appropriate subject matter assessment
• Induction or a Commission-approved Clear credential program (if induction is not available)

If you have further questions, please contact an SDCOE Credential Technician at sdcred@sdcoe.net or (858) 298-2194.