Have a credential from another state?

How to transfer my license to California?

Once you have determined that your out-of-state license is transferable to California, follow the instructions on the appropriate CTC leaflet below to determine how to apply for the California credential in the appropriate subject or specialty area that corresponds to the subject or specialty area listed on your out-of-state license.

Credential Types

Multiple Subject credentials

Authorize the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. However, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom such as Pre-K, or serve in a core or team teaching setting as in some K-8 and middle schools.

CTC leaflet on Out-of-State Multiple Subject credentials

Single Subject credentials

Authorize the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in middle and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in their subject(s) at any grade level.

CTC leaflet on Out-of-State Single Subject credentials

Education Specialist Instruction credentials

Authorize special education teaching in elementary, middle, and high schools. This credential is issued in specific specialty areas that align with Federal Disability Categories: Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairments, Physical & Health Impairments, Early Childhood Special Education.

CTC leaflet on Out-of-State Education Specialist Instruction credentials

Will I need to apply for English Learner Authorization?

Unless your out-of-state license also has an English Learner Authorization that is transferable to California, you will need to apply for an emergency permit to authorize you to teach English Learners. Similarly, if you are in a bilingual position and do not yet qualify for a Bilingual Authorization, you will need to apply for an emergency permit to authorize you to teach in your bilingual position.

CTC leaflet on English Learner Authorizations

 

While you are working on completing the requirements for the English Learner Authorization or Bilingual Authorization, it is possible to teach under an emergency permit.

CTC leaflet on Emergency CLAD and BCLAD Permits

This page was last updated on July 6, 2022