07

Reference

The vocabulary, the leaflets, the statutes, what is genuinely in flux, and the items to verify before committing.

Teaching credentials

NameAuthorizes
Preliminary / Clear Multiple Subject Teaching CredentialAll subjects in a self-contained classroom (typical elementary), PK-12 and adults; also core/team teaching settings
Preliminary / Clear Single Subject Teaching CredentialThe named subject(s) in departmentalized classes (typical middle/high school)
Preliminary / Clear Education Specialist Instruction CredentialSpecial education; concentrations MMSN, ESN, ECSE, DHH, VI
Preliminary / Clear PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction CredentialPK through grade 3

Each carries an English Learner Authorization (ELA) by default when earned through a California preparation program. A Bilingual Authorization is a separate add-on.

Intern documents (the "while teaching" route)

NameLeafletNotes
University Intern CredentialCL-402AIssued after 120 hours of preservice; valid 2 years; restricted to the employing agency. This is the credential Reach candidates hold.
District Intern CredentialCL-707BSame concept, sponsored by the district rather than a university
Early Completion Intern Option (ECO)CL-840Not a credential: a challenge pathway inside an intern program. See Early Completion.

Emergency / stopgap permits

Employer-requested only; the individual cannot apply.

NameLeafletPurpose
Provisional Internship Permit (PIP)CL-856Lets a district hire someone who has not yet met subject matter competence and therefore cannot enter an intern program. One year, reissuable once (pre-Oct 2013 issuances only). Not available to anyone who has already passed the CSET. Requires the district to verify a diligent search.
Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP)CL-858Fills an acute, unforeseen staffing need. One school year, not reissuable. Available to those who have not completed a prep program.
Variable Term Waivern/aEmployer-requested waiver when no credentialed teacher is available
Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permitn/aSubstitute teaching only

Supporting documents

NameFeeNotes
Certificate of Clearance (COC)$50Fingerprint / professional-fitness clearance. NOT the same as a "clear credential." Required before any classroom placement. Prerequisite for most program admissions.
Form 41-4n/aPaper credential application
Form 41-LSn/aLive Scan request form
Form 41-BSR / CL-130n/aBasic Skills Requirement verification (only needed if using coursework, not the degree route)
Form CL-911n/aTPA Verification Form (used for secondary passing standard recommendations)

Things genuinely in flux

ItemStatus
TPA redesign (SB 1263)Commission adopted RDI-TPA workgroup recommendations June 2025; phased implementation plan approved August 2025; full implementation target ~2028. The CalTPA as it exists today will change.
CBEST / CSET / CTEL / CPACE replacementCommission approved a coordinated initiative (Aug 2025) to replace all four with an integrated licensure exam system. CSET specifically is slated for a "modernized, modular assessment." No public timeline.
2024-25 CalTPA (Version 07)Retires June 30, 2026. Anyone still holding partial V07 results should confirm their transition path.
Golden State Teacher GrantSunset scheduled June 2026; continuation depends on the state budget.

Open items to verify before committing

  1. Does Reach have a partner school or LEA in Santa Clara County / the South Bay? If not, the Reach ECO is not available regardless of qualifications, and SJSU or SCCOE become the realistic routes.
  2. What does Reach's graduate program actually cost without a county partnership subsidy? Reach lists no financial aid for its graduate programs, and the $75/month figure is undergraduate-only.
  3. Does the CalTPA Secondary Passing Standard apply to an ECO attempt? Resolved: yes. Program Sponsor Alert 24-02 (updated August 2024) states that Early Completion candidates can be recommended for a preliminary credential if they meet the secondary passing standard (14 or 15 on the 2025-26 cycles) with documented TPE evidence via Form CL-911. Detail on Early Completion.
  4. Does the employing district sponsor and pay for Teacher Induction? Ask HR before paying anyone.
  5. Is the position a genuine teacher-of-record assignment? Long-term sub and temporary assignments generally do not qualify for an intern credential.

Leaflet index

LeafletTopic
CL-561CMultiple Subject Teaching Credential, prepared in California
CL-560CSingle Subject Teaching Credential, prepared in California
CL-561 / CL-560Same, prepared out of state
CL-871Multiple Subject, prepared outside the U.S.
CL-667Basic Skills Requirement
CL-674M / CL-674SVerifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination (MS / SS)
CL-402AUniversity Internship Credentials
CL-707BDistrict Intern Credential
CL-840Early Completion Intern Option
CL-856 / CL-857Provisional Internship Permit + verification form
CL-858 / CL-859Short-Term Staff Permit + verification form
CL-622Serving English Learners
CL-628CCLAD Certificates
CL-834MS/SS Credentials, Teachers with Private School Experience
CL-659Fee Schedule
CL-494Renewal and Reissuance of Credentials
CL-900Certificate of Clearance

Statutes, legislation, and key sites

Statutes

  • Ed Code 44252 BSR
  • 44259 credential minimums
  • 44282 subject matter domains
  • 44320.2 / 44320.3 TPA and literacy PA
  • 44325 / 44468 internships and ECO
  • 44283 reading instruction
  • Title 5 CCR 80033 intern support hours

Legislation

  • AB 130 (2021) SMC alternatives
  • SB 488 (2021) literacy / RICA replacement
  • SB 153 (2024) BSR by degree
  • SB 1263 (2024) TPA redesign
  • AB 121 (2025) RICA sunset extension

Key sites

Information current as of July 2026. Verify against ctc.ca.gov. CalTPA Pathway