Order of Operations

The order is dictated by hard eligibility gates, not preference. Each phase unlocks the next. Steps can be checked off; progress is saved in this browser.

Phase 0: Prerequisites

Before applying anywhere

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution Automatically satisfies the Basic Skills Requirement. Foreign degrees need evaluation by an approved transcript agency.

Live Scan fingerprinting, then Certificate of Clearance ($50) Fingerprints are valid 18 months; the COC application must be filed within that window. Name and SSN on the Live Scan must exactly match the CTC educator profile. Required before any classroom placement and a prerequisite for most program admissions.

U.S. Constitution requirement A 2-semester-unit / 3-quarter-unit course in the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution, OR an examination administered by a regionally accredited college or university. Often the fastest and cheapest single item to knock out; many CA community colleges and CSUs offer a standalone exam.

Negative TB test A program admission requirement, not a CTC requirement.

Phase 1: Subject Matter Competence

Gates intern eligibility; must be complete before entering an intern program

Determine the SMC route Degree major matches: transcript only, no test. Coursework may cover the domains: request an SMC evaluation from a CTC-approved program (4-8 weeks; results not guaranteed). Neither: CSET ($247 for Multiple Subjects, all three subtests). Full detail on The Tests.

If using coursework: request the SMC evaluation Programs commonly recommend registering for CSET as a backup even while an SMC coursework evaluation is pending.

Subject matter competence verified Must be satisfied BEFORE entering an intern program, because the intern credential itself requires it.

Phase 2: Employment

Teacher-of-record employment; programs do not place candidates

Secure an offer of employment as TEACHER OF RECORD for the coming year Long-term substitute and temporary positions generally do NOT qualify. Most university intern programs (SJSU explicitly) do NOT place candidates. Reach requires the offer to verify at least 1.5 hrs/day (7.5 hrs/week) of instruction in the credential content area.

Confirm the assignment qualifies for an intern credential If SMC cannot be met in time, a district may request a Provisional Internship Permit to bridge one year. If the need is acute and unforeseen, a Short-Term Staff Permit. Neither is candidate-initiated.

Phase 3: Enter the intern program

Admission, preservice, and the intern credential

Apply to and be admitted by a CTC-approved intern program

Complete 120 clock hours of PRESERVICE coursework Covers general pedagogy including classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, subject-specific pedagogy, human development, and teaching English learners. Reach: 8-week asynchronous course (~120-128 hrs) plus ~6-7 synchronous hrs; the ECO track runs June 1 - July 31.

Program files the Intern Credential application with the CTC ($100 + $2.65) Allow 2-4 weeks for issuance. Valid 2 years, restricted to the named employer.

Phase 4: Serve as intern and complete the TPA

Teach as the credentialed teacher of record; pass both CalTPA cycles

Teach as the credentialed teacher of record, with the statutory support package The district and program MUST provide: 144 hours/year of general support and supervision, plus 45 hours/year of English learner support (unless the candidate already holds an EL authorization or has passed CTEL), and 4 formal observations per quarter (or 6 per semester).

Complete the CalTPA on the chosen track ECO: pass the NES APK first (Reach requires scores by August 15), then attempt the CalTPA; BOTH cycles must pass on the FIRST submission, within Year 1; an unsuccessful attempt moves the candidate into the standard 2-year program. Standard 2-year intern: complete program coursework across Years 1 and 2, submit cycles during supervised teaching (typically Year 2), retakes permitted at $150 each. See Early Completion.

Program recommendation to the CTC

Apply for the PRELIMINARY CREDENTIAL ($100 + $2.65) 5 years, non-renewable. The induction clock starts now.

Phase 5: Clear the credential

Two years of induction while teaching on the preliminary

Enroll in a CTC-approved Teacher Induction Program Begin in the first year of teaching on the preliminary. 2 years, job-embedded. Registration typically closes mid-September with no mid-year entry. Ask the employing district's HR whether they sponsor or pay for induction BEFORE paying anyone; district- and county-sponsored induction is frequently free to the teacher.

Complete induction Mentor assigned within 30 days, matched by credential/grade/subject. About 1 hour per week of mentor contact (accreditation minimum). Individual Learning Plan with growth goals against the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. Cycles of inquiry / action research, measured against the Continuum of Teaching Practice.

Verify CPR certification Infant, child, AND adult; AHA or Red Cross standard.

Induction sponsor recommends; apply for the CLEAR CREDENTIAL ($100 + $2.65) Renewable online every 5 years thereafter: $125, no coursework, no PD hours, no professional growth verification.

Alternative to induction (Option 2): National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification earned AFTER the preliminary. Qualifying Multiple Subject certificates: Early Childhood (ages 3-8)/Generalist; Middle Childhood (ages 7-12)/Generalist. Apply directly to the CTC with a copy of the NBPTS certificate, Form 41-4, and the fee.