Costs and Aid

Every fee in one place. Toggle the estimator for a first-year total, then check the Golden State Teacher Grant status below.

Scenario

CSET neededOff if a qualifying major or coursework evaluation covers SMC

Early Completion OptionAdds the NES APK, approximately $145

Budget one CalTPA retake$150 per cycle resubmission

County partnership tuition ratee.g., ACOE at $500-$3,000/yr instead of the $7,500 list price

District pays for inductionAsk HR; district- and county-sponsored induction is often free

First-year estimate

Fees subtotal:

Full cost table

Item	Cost	When
Live Scan fingerprinting	Set by the Live Scan operator	Phase 0
Certificate of Clearance	$50 (+$2.65 online)	Phase 0
U.S. Constitution course or exam	Varies; modest	Phase 0
CSET: Multiple Subjects (all 3 subtests, one session)	$247	Phase 1, if needed
CSET: single subtest	$99	Phase 1, if needed
SMC coursework evaluation	Usually free through the prep program	Phase 1
Intern Credential application	$100 (+$2.65)	Phase 3
NES APK (051/052)	~$145 (verify)	Phase 4, ECO only
CalTPA	$150 x 2 = $300 (+$150 per retake)	Phase 4
Preliminary Credential application	$100 (+$2.65)	Phase 4
Intern program tuition	Reach: ~$7,500/yr list; $500-$3,000/yr under a county partnership. University intern programs: standard graduate tuition.	Phases 3-4
Teacher Induction	Often $0 if district- or county-sponsored	Phase 5
Clear Credential application	$100 (+$2.65)	Phase 5
Clear Credential renewal (every 5 yrs)	$125 (raised from $100 on 7/1/2026)	Ongoing

Realistic floor for someone whose degree covers SMC and whose district pays induction: roughly $550-$700 in CTC and Pearson fees, plus intern program tuition.

Golden State Teacher Grant

The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) covers up to $20,000 (Cohorts 1-2) or $10,000 (Cohort 3, current) for candidates enrolled in a CTC-approved preparation program, in exchange for a service commitment at a priority school. Only Cohort 3 is open to new applicants.

The program was scheduled to sunset in June 2026; 2026-27 awarding depends on the state budget. The 2026-27 application was expected in July 2026. Requires FAFSA or CADAA. Verify current status at csac.ca.gov before relying on it.