How to Apply

The Credentials Department is able to provide information and guidance when applying for specific credential(s)/permit(s). However, you may refer to the links below to review information provided by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) pertaining to each specific credential/permit. The Credentials Department can also submit the application to CTC on your behalf. If you are hired through a Fresno County School District, you will need to work with your District to submit the application to our office. If you are not hired through a Fresno County School District and need assistance with your application, please review the checklists below and contact the Credential Specialist assigned to your last name.

Road Map to Teaching

Not sure where to start? Visit CTC's Road Map to Teaching. Here, you will find many helpful resources to get you on your way to becoming a California Educator!

Credential/Permit Requirements

• Basic Skills Requirement

  The California Education Code and Title 5 Regulations specify, in most cases, that applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit to serve in the public schools of California must verify basic skills proficiency before the credential, certificate, or permit will be issued. For Preliminary Teaching Credential candidates, the basic skills requirement must be met prior to serving as an intern. However, institutions may require the basic skills requirement prior to program enrollment. Contact the college or university education department for more information. The basic skills requirement may also be required as a condition of employment. Applicants should contact the school district where they are considering employment for more information.

  For First time permit holders requesting a coursework evaluation to meet BSR, please request a transcript evaluation by emailing your assigned Credential Specialist. You will need to provide your name, current address, transcripts and information regarding an initial permit inquiry. Please contact the Credential Specialist assigned to the first letter of your last name.

  Click here to view all options for meeting the Basic Skills Requirement

• Certificate of Clearance

  The Certificate of Clearance (COC) is a document issued by the Commission (CTC) to an individual who has completed the Commission's fingerprint character and identification process, whose moral and professional fitness has been shown to meet the standards as established by law. The COC is not the same as a clear teaching or services credential. The COC does not authorize the holder to provide any instruction or services in schools; its sole purpose is to provide verification that the holder has completed a professional fitness review.

  The COC is valid for five years. Fingerprint information will be invalidated for individuals who have not held any other type of valid document for more than eighteen (18) months after the expiration date of a COC. The fingerprint process must be repeated when individuals whose fingerprints have been invalidated subsequently apply for certification.

  Click here for a checklist

• Substitute Teaching

  Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit

  (Click here if you already HAVE EARNED your bachelor's degree)

  Prospective Teacher Substitute Permit

  (Click here if you have earned at least 90 units, and are CURRENTLY ENROLLED to earn your bachelor's degree)

  RENEWAL: Prospective Teacher Substitute Permit

  (Click here if you have an expiring or expired Prospective Teacher Substitute Permit and are still currently enrolled to earn your bachelor's degree)

  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
  41-4 Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service
  Basic Skills Requirement
  

• Out-of-State Educators

  California has a two-tier credential structure. A preliminary credential is the first document issued after an individual meets basic credential 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 be unable to teach in California's public schools with that credential until those requirements are met and the document is renewed.

  Choose the type of out-of-state teaching certification you hold for details on California's requirements.

  Elementary Teaching
  Multiple Subject Credential

  Secondary Teaching
  Single Subject Credential

  Special Education
  Education Specialist Credential

  Click here for a checklist

  Note that you must hold a professional-level credential* from another state or U.S. territory to qualify for California teaching certification based on out-of-state preparation.
  *Generally, documents with the following terminology do not meet the definition of a professional-level credential:

  • Intern/Internship documents
  • Apprentice documents
  • Temporary/Non-renewable documents
  • Documents with requirements to complete subject matter examinations

• Child Development

  Please refer to the Child Development page for information.

If you are mailing an application to the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Credentials Department, please make sure to include everything in one packet. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applications are processed in the order received.

MAIL COMPLETED DOCUMENTS TO:
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Attention Credentials Department
1111 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721