To become a teacher in California, earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher preparation program, pass required exams, and apply for a teaching credential. Fulfill the basic skills requirement and complete student teaching. Submit fingerprints and background check. Finish induction to upgrade from a preliminary credential to a clear credential.
Teaching in California: Why It Matters
California hires more teachers than any other U.S. state. The California Department of Education projects high demand in public schools, especially for special education teachers and elementary school teachers. In 2024, over 11,000 new teachers were needed across the state.
Jobs are available in both private schools and school districts, but most open roles are in public schools. Teacher shortages affect subjects like math, science, and special education. Starting salaries for credentialed teachers range from $50,000 to $54,000 depending on credential type.
A teaching career in California can be a rewarding career with job security, benefits, and career advancement if you meet all requirements.
Education: First Step to Becoming a Teacher
You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Most teachers complete an undergraduate degree in a subject like English, math, or social science.
If you already have a degree, you can enter a teaching credential program to complete your training. Many prospective teachers choose to earn a master’s degree in education to increase pay and qualify for additional roles.
Popular degrees for teacher candidates:
- Bachelor’s in child development
- Bachelor’s in English or math
- Bachelor’s in special education
- Master’s in curriculum or instruction
You can complete your degree and teacher training together through an undergraduate teacher preparation program, or finish them separately.
Teacher Preparation Programs and Coursework
A teacher preparation program trains you to teach in a classroom setting. It includes:
- Teacher preparation coursework
- Supervised student teaching
- Support from mentors
- Licensure test prep
Choose programs that are approved by the California Department of Education. You can take these programs at a university or through an internship program. Options include:
- Full-time credential programs
- Part-time evening programs
- Online teaching programs
Each teaching program includes around 600 hours of training. Many also offer extensive support through tutoring, workshops, and peer collaboration.
Student Teaching and Classroom Experience
Student teaching is required for all teacher candidates. You’ll work with a mentor in a real classroom setting, write lesson plans, and deliver instruction under supervision.
You must:
- Teach for at least 14–18 weeks
- Submit performance assessments
- Complete a background check
- Log teaching hours
This experience is sometimes called an internship experience and is required to earn a preliminary credential.
Student teachers develop:
- Classroom management skills
- Curriculum planning experience
- Teaching presence and tone
- Instructional feedback techniques
This step turns prospective teachers into confident educators with real teaching experience.
Required Exams for California Teachers
Before applying for a teaching credential, you must pass the state’s required exams:
- CBEST: Covers basic reading, writing, and math (basic skills requirement)
- CSET: Proves subject matter competence
- RICA: Required if teaching at the elementary level
- TPA: Teaching performance assessment
Most tests can be taken multiple times and are required regardless of your credential path. The California Subject Examinations (CSET) vary by subject. For instance, if you want a single subject teaching credential in math, you must pass the math CSET.
You’ll also need:
- Fingerprinting and background check
- Proof of basic proficiency in English and math
- Compliance with teacher credentialing requirements
Applying for a Preliminary Teaching Credential
After passing your exams and completing training, you apply for a preliminary credential. This is your initial teaching license.
You must submit:
- Transcripts showing bachelor’s degree
- Proof of student teaching
- Background clearance
- Test results
- Application fee (around $100)
Your preliminary credential is valid for five years. It allows you to teach in public schools, charter schools, or other qualifying settings while you complete the induction phase.
You can apply online through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Credentials vary:
- Multiple subject teaching credential (for elementary)
- Single subject credential (for middle/high school)
- Education specialist instruction credential (for special education)
Moving to a Clear Credential Through Induction
You earn your clear credential by completing an induction program. This happens after you’re hired with a preliminary credential.
During induction, you:
- Work full-time as a teacher
- Meet with a mentor regularly
- Develop new lesson plans
- Reflect on your teaching experience
Induction programs usually last two years. Some school districts offer them in partnership with universities. If you’re in an internship program, induction may begin in your second year of teaching.
Completing induction qualifies you for:
- Long-term contracts
- Pay raises
- Additional teaching certifications
Teaching Credential Salary Ranges in California (2024)
Compare common credentials and work settings
| Credential Type | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Top 10% Earners | Common Work Setting | Requires Student Teaching |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Subject Credential | $50,000 | $67,500 | $93,000 | Public Elementary | Yes |
| Single Subject Credential | $52,000 | $69,000 | $95,000 | Middle & High School | Yes |
| Education Specialist Credential | $54,000 | $71,000 | $98,000 | Special Education | Yes |
| Preliminary Credential (Internship) | $47,000 | $62,000 | $87,000 | Varies (Alt Pathway) | Yes |
| Private School Teacher (Uncredentialed) | $41,000 | $56,000 | $76,000 | Private K–12 | No |
Source: California Department of Education & Salary.com, 2024
Most Popular Questions About Becoming a Teacher in California
These are the questions we get asked the most often about how to become a teacher in California.
What degree do I need to become a teacher in California?
You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. This degree is required before starting any teacher preparation program.
How long does it take to become a teacher in California?
It usually takes five to six years, including four years for a bachelor’s degree and one to two years for a teaching credential program and student teaching.
Can I teach in a private school without a credential?
Yes. Private schools in California are not always required to hire credentialed teachers, but most prefer candidates with a teaching credential or related experience.
What exams are required to teach in California?
You need to pass the CBEST, CSET, and possibly the RICA. These prove basic skills, subject matter competence, and reading instruction ability.
What is the difference between multiple and single subject credentials?
A multiple subject teaching credential lets you teach all subjects in elementary grades. A single subject credential qualifies you to teach one subject at the high school level or middle school.
Is student teaching required in every pathway?
Yes. Whether you’re in a university program or internship program, you must complete student teaching or its equivalent.
Do I need a background check to become a teacher?
Yes. A fingerprint-based background check is required before getting a preliminary credential or starting student teaching.
