Alternative Teacher Certification in California

California alternative certification requirements, step by step

Each requirement below is stated as Commission on Teacher Credentialing publishes it, with the governing source cited.

1. 1

   Earn a bachelor's degree

   Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution to qualify for California's intern and alternative preparation pathways. Intern programs operate at universities, districts, and county offices of education under Commission oversight.

   Source: ctc.ca.gov

2. 2

   Complete 120 hours of pre-service preparation

   Before serving as teacher of record, complete at least 120 hours of pre-service preparation through a Commission-approved intern program. The intern credential is not a shortcut around content knowledge; it compresses pedagogical preparation while you teach.

   Source: ctc.ca.gov

3. 3

   Demonstrate subject matter competence

   Pass the required CSET subtests or complete an approved subject matter program for the credential you seek. Intern candidates must demonstrate subject matter competence the same as traditional-route candidates.

   Source: ctc.ca.gov

4. 4

   Secure an intern credential and employment

   Obtain an intern credential and a teaching position, serving as teacher of record while completing your preparation program coursework and mentoring. District mentoring quality is essential because interns carry full classroom responsibility and ongoing coursework at the same time.

   Source: ctc.ca.gov

5. 5

   Complete the program and advance to Preliminary credential

   Finish all program requirements including TPA, then apply for a Preliminary credential and subsequently complete induction for a Clear credential. Successful intern completion leads to the same five-year Preliminary credential traditional candidates receive.

   Source: ctc.ca.gov

California's intern credential pathway allows districts to hire candidates as teachers of record before they finish a full preparation program, provided the candidate completes at least 120 hours of pre-service training first. This design addresses chronic teacher shortages in high-need subjects and regions while maintaining Commission oversight through approved intern programs at universities, districts, and county offices of education. Interns simultaneously carry full classroom responsibility and ongoing coursework, making district mentoring quality essential.

Subject matter competence via CSET remains mandatory for intern candidates just as for traditional route graduates. The intern credential is not a shortcut around content knowledge; it compresses the timeline for pedagogical preparation while the candidate teaches. Successful completion of the Teaching Performance Assessment and all program requirements still leads to the same Preliminary credential that traditional candidates receive, preserving the five-year preliminary-to-clear induction structure.

CTC publishes pathway comparison resources that help candidates decide among university-based intern programs, district partnerships, and other alternative routes. Because California credential law references specific credential leaflets such as CL-560C for out-of-state prepared applicants, intern candidates should work closely with their program sponsor to ensure employment, credential, and induction timelines align. Fee amounts for intern credentials and examinations should be verified on current CTC schedules at application time.

Required exams and fees

California uses CSET + TPA. Fees and cut scores appear only when published by the cited source (as of August 2026).

Full California exam requirements →

Moving a license to California

Intern pathways are for candidates completing California-approved programs; out-of-state educators follow separate prepared-out-of-state credential routes.

Official California reciprocity guidance