Arturo Gomez Molina
From earning your teaching degree to obtaining your credentials, this guide offers the essential steps to becoming a certified teacher in California.
The Reward and Impact of Teaching in California
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers, and in California, the impact is even greater. With one of the most diverse student populations in the country, the state needs qualified educators who can shape future generations.
If you are exploring how to become a teacher in California, the path involves earning a degree, completing a credential program, and gaining classroom experience.
Why Teach in California?
California remains one of the best states in the country to launch a fulfilling teaching career. The state consistently offers competitive salaries, with average teacher pay ranking among the highest nationwide.
According to the National Education Association, the average annual teacher salary in California reached $101,084 in 2024, surpassing the national average significantly.
Teachers in California also benefit from:
- Comprehensive Healthcare Plans
- CalSTRS Retirement Benefits
- Extensive Professional Development
- Opportunities for Career Advancement
Teaching Requirements in California
California requires all teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program before earning a teaching credential. Here is what the process typically includes:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Aspiring teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The bachelor’s degree major influences which subject matter exams may need to be taken before entry into a teacher preparation program.
California Multiple Subject Credential
Authorizes teaching multiple subjects (content areas) and is the typical credential for those who teach in elementary school settings (transitional kindergarten (TK) through fifth or sixth grade). Bachelor’s degree holders with a major in Liberal Studies or Liberal Arts can waive the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) for the Multiple Subject credential.
Single Subject Credential
Authorizes teaching a single subject (such as English/Language Arts, Mathematics, History/Social Sciences, one of the Sciences, Music, etc.) in any grade from elementary through high school in a departmentalized classroom. It is typically the credential held by middle and high school teachers in California , as well as VAPA (visual and performing arts) teachers in any grade. Candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in their credential subject area can waive the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) for their Single Subject credential.
Education Specialist Credential
Authorizes teaching in Special Education settings that are either mild/moderate needs or extensive support needs (ESN) at all grade levels. Bachelor’s degree holders with a major in Liberal Studies or Liberal Arts can waive the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET) for the Education Specialist credential.
Gaining Classroom Experience
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of becoming an effective educator in California. Teacher candidates must complete at least 600 hours of fieldwork, which includes student teaching, during their teacher preparation program.
During the experience, candidates:
- Work Alongside a Mentor Teacher
- Practice Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, and Instructional Strategies
- Evaluate Student Progress and Make Data-informed Decisions
- Collaborate with School Staff and Engage in Reflective Practice
This immersive training helps aspiring teachers understand the day-to-day rewards and challenges of leading a classroom, preparing them for their future students.
Requirements Outside of Coursework
To earn a California teaching credential, candidates must demonstrate subject matter expertise and foundational teaching skills as well as pass a criminal background check.
Required Exams
-
- Measures subject matter knowledge for all credentials. May be waived in whole or part by bachelor’s degree major or individual content-specific classes. Program advisors in the teacher preparation program help candidates to determine what exams are needed and what prior coursework may be used to satisfy CSET requirements.
- U.S. Constitution exam (or coursework):
-
- All California teachers (of any subject) are required to either take a U.S. Constitution exam or fulfill this requirement through specific university coursework before applying for their credential.
- Teacher Performance Assessments (TPAs):
-
- Evaluate a teacher’s readiness through classroom-based tasks such as lesson planning, instruction, and assessment. These assessments are completed using artifacts from the candidate’s teacher preparation program, including a video of them teaching in a classroom.
Background Check & Physical Health Screening
All candidates must undergo a fingerprint-based background check (LiveScan) conducted by the California Department of Justice and the FBI before performing fieldwork in schools. This ensures the safety of students and verifies eligibility to work in California schools. Additionally, TB testing and vaccination requirements are necessary for fieldwork placements, credential clearances, and/or later employment.
California Teacher Credential Pathways
California offers multiple routes for entering the classroom:
Credential Earned During Bachelor’s Degree
An aspiring teacher may earn their credential while pursuing their bachelor’s degree. This typically requires candidates to carefully plan their coursework so they can balance attending classes on campus in tandem with completing fieldwork requirements and student teaching during the typical four years of full-time attendance for a bachelor’s degree.
Credential Earned as a Post-Bacc Student
A credential program can be completed after the bachelor’s degree and separate from a graduate degree-seeking program (such as a master’s degree). This is often the path that second-career professionals pursue, particularly if they possess a master’s degree already.
Credential Earned with Master’s Degree
A graduate degree is a significant investment that can enhance your teaching career and salary earnings. Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Arts in Special Education provides credential coursework embedded in the master’s degree, providing candidates with higher salary potential and deeper expertise in teaching practices.
Integrated Bachelor’s, Credential, and Master’s Degree Program
A limited number of California universities now offer an integrated teacher preparation program that allows undergraduate students to start their credential and master’s degree coursework while still earning the bachelor’s degree. Such programs shorten the time to earn the bachelor’s, credential, and master’s degree and do so at significant cost savings to the candidate for the graduate degree completion.
Start Your California Teaching Journey at Chapman University
At Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies, future educators gain the skills, experience, and mentorship needed to excel in California’s schools. Chapman’s programs combine classroom theory with real-world fieldwork, ensuring graduates enter the profession confident, prepared, and committed to ethical and inclusive teaching.
Chapman University offers:
- State-approved Preliminary Credential Programs
- Bachelor’s degree with a credential in Multiple Subject (Elementary) or Education Specialist (Special Education)
- Integrated Bachelor’s to master’s degree options with Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist Credential
- Embedded Credential with master’s degree for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist (Special Education)
- Ways to Earn More than One Credential (such as Multiple Subject and Education Specialist, or Mild/Moderate and Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist)
- Experienced Faculty with Diverse Educational Backgrounds
- Hands-on Practicum Placements with Local Schools
- A Strong Emphasis on Leadership, Collaboration, and Reflective Practice
If you are ready to make a lasting impact on California’s students and communities, Chapman University can help you launch your teaching career with confidence.
