Credential Department Questions
- How do I apply for a substitute teaching permit?
- Who do I contact if I have questions about my credential(s)/permit(s)?
- CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, please contact your Human Resources Department.
- NOT CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are not currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, you may speak to a Credential Specialist by calling (559) 265-3005.
- What are your office hours?
- BY PHONE APPOINTMENT ONLY our office is open Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:00PM
- NOTE: The Credentials Department is closed in observance of most major holidays and is also closed for the two weeks surrounding December 25th and January 1st.
- Do I need to make an appointment to speak to a Credential Specialist?
- CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, please contact your School District Human Resources Department.
- NOT CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are not currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, please review our website for detailed information.
- Can I use electronic transcripts with my application?
- Electronic transcripts can be used when requested by a Credential Specialist. Electronic transcripts downloaded by the applicant will not be acceptable.
Fingerprint/Live Scan
- Do I need to make an appointment for fingerprint/live scan?
- CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, please contact your School District Human Resources Department.
- NOT CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are not currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, please view the information within our fingerprint page.
- If my credential/permit has expired, will I have to fingerprint/live scan again?
- You will need to be reprinted for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) if you have not held a valid permit, credential or Certificate of Clearance for more than 18 months.
- If I already have a permit/credential do I need to fingerprint again?
- If your fingerprint/live scan with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is still valid, and have been continuously and currently employed within Fresno County, you will not need to reprint to obtain a credential/permit.
- If your fingerprint/live scan with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is still valid, and have NOT been continuously and currently employed within Fresno County, you may need to reprint for employment. Please contact your employer.
- Can my fingerprints/live scan be shared with other agencies?
- No. If you fingerprinted for the FCSS Consortium then your fingerprint/live scan clearance is only shared among school districts within the FCSS Fingerprint Consortium. If you fingerprinted for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), then your fingerprint/live scan clearance is only shared with CTC.
Substituting in California
- What is the difference between a Prospective Substitute Permit and an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permit?
- An Emergency 30 Day Substitute Permit is based on the completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Prospective Substitute Permit is based on current enrollment at a 4-year accredited university and completion of 90 semester units at a 4-year accredited university. Both the holder of the Emergency 30 Day Substitute Permit and a Prospective Substitute Permit are authorized to serve as a day-to-day substitute teacher in any classroom, including preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-12 inclusive, no more than 30 days in one general education classroom and 20 days in one special education classroom. Holders of the Prospective Substitute Permit may not serve more than 90 days in one school year.
- How can I become eligible to work as a substitute?
- In order to substitute in California, you must either obtain an Emergency Substitute Teaching Permit or hold a preliminary or clear general education or special education teaching credential. Most service credentials based on the completion of a bachelor’s degree and the basic skills requirement may be used to substitute.
- Each of the districts within Fresno County hire their own substitutes. Please visit www.edjoin.org/ for more information.
- If I have a teaching and/or service credential, do I need to renew my substitute permit?
- If you hold a valid teaching and/or service credential you do not need to renew your substitute permit. Your valid credential will allow you to substitute or teach. Service credentials used to substitute must be based on the completion of a bachelor’s degree and the basic skills requirement.
- Do I need to renew my substitute permit after 30 days in the classroom?
- No. The permit is valid for one year throughout the state of California.
- Can a service credential be used to substitute?
- Yes. Some service credentials may be used to substitute if the service credential does not require a prerequisite credential and is based on the completion of a bachelor’s degree and the basic skills requirement.
Child Development
- What is the Child Development Consortium?
- The Child Development Training Consortium was developed to promote high quality early education to children and families in California. They provide financial and technical assistance to child development students and professionals.
- Can I renew my Child Development Permit online?
- You may renew your Child Development Permit online if you hold the Teacher Permit, Master Teacher Permit, Site Supervisor Permit or Program Director Permit. Holders of the Assistant and/or Associate Teacher Permit(s) should contact the Credentials Department for further instructions.
- How can I become eligible to work in a child care center?
- Most child care centers prefer that you have a Child Development Permit. There are 5 different levels within Child Development. The permit you qualify for will depend on your educational background and work experience obtained in a child care center or preschool.
California Credential Holders
- How do I get an official copy of my California Credential and/or Permit?
- The Commission on Teacher Credentialing no longer issues official paper copies of credentials(s)/permit(s). The Commission on Teacher Credentialing website serves as the official record of certification. To view official certification, applicant and employers may conduct a public or secured search on the Commission website under the section "Search for an Educator." For step-by-step instructions on how to obtain an unofficial copy, please click here.
- My credential/permit expires tomorrow. What do I do?
- CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, please contact your Human Resources Department.
- NOT CURRENTLY AFFILIATED WITH A DISTRICT/CHARTER/PRIVATE SCHOOL WITHIN FRESNO COUNTY: If you are not currently affiliated with a school district, charter school, or private school within Fresno County, you may speak to a Credential Specialist by calling (559) 265-3005.
- I am unable to renew a credential on my computer at home. What can I try to do before contacting your office?
- If you hold a clear, professional, or professional clear credential, you should be able to renew your credential(s)/permit(s) online.
- If you hold a preliminary, emergency teaching permit or limited assignment, you are unable to renew online and should contact your Employer. If you do not have an Employer, please contact our office.
New California Credential Holders
New! CTC Road Map to Teaching
- I am coming from out of state/country and hold a credential from out of state/country. What do I do?
- Please visit CTC's Out of State Educator page to view requirements for a California Credential based Out-of-State or Out-of-USA.
- If I held a substitute permit in another state, can I use that to substitute in California?
- No. In order to substitute in California, you must obtain a substitute permit based on the requirements for California. Substitute Requirements
- Where can I register for the CBEST Exam?
- What Out-of-State basic skills exam is equivalent to the CBEST exam?
