For many aspiring educators, California offers one of the most dynamic and meaningful places to teach. But if you’ve started researching how to become a teacher in California, you’ve probably noticed one thing right away: the process isn’t always straightforward. There are layers of requirements and timelines that vary by your desired career, making it confusing to decide which steps to take first.
At a high level, becoming a teacher in California means:
- earning the appropriate degree,
- completing a state-approved credential program,
- and meeting specific requirements based on where and what you want to teach.
This blog will break down the California teacher credential process into clear, manageable steps so you can see how everything fits together. We’ll walk through the credentials you need, the choices you’ll make along the way, and how Mount Saint Mary’s University can help you move through the journey.
In This Blog, You’ll Learn:
- The essential steps for how to become a teacher in California
- What California teaching requirements actually look like (and how to meet them)
- How credentialing differs for kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers
- How MSMU supports future teachers through small cohorts, faculty mentorship, and flexible credential pathways
What Are California’s Teaching Requirements (and How You Can Meet Them)
California sets clear standards for who can teach in its classrooms, but that doesn’t mean there’s only one path forward. Whether you’re coming straight out of college, changing careers, or returning to school after time in the workforce, here’s how the process typically works:
Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
To become a teacher in California, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The state of California does not require a specific undergraduate major, so you can enter the profession with a degree in almost any field.
That said, earning a bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related field simplifies the licensure process. Education-focused programs introduce you to classroom practice, child development, and teaching foundations earlier, which can make the transition to credentialing smoother.
Explore Mount Saint Mary’s University undergraduate education programs.
Complete a California Teacher Preparation Program
Next, you’ll complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs provide the professional training required for licensure and are aligned to specific teaching goals.
Most candidates pursue one of the following pathways:
- Multiple Subject Credential for elementary classrooms
- Single Subject Credential for middle and high school instruction in a specific discipline
- Education Specialist Credential for special education settings
What type of teaching credential is right for you?
Many universities, including MSMU, integrate teacher preparation directly into a master’s degree, allowing you to complete coursework and credential requirements in a more cohesive experience.
Pass Required Exams (CBEST, CSET, or Approved Alternatives)
California requires prospective teachers to demonstrate basic skills and subject-area knowledge. The specific exams you need depend on the grade level and credential you pursue:
Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary School):
Candidates must meet the Basic Skills Requirement (often through the CBEST or approved coursework) and demonstrate subject-matter competence, typically through the CSET: Multiple Subjects or an approved subject-matter program.
Single Subject Credential (Middle or High School):
Candidates meet the Basic Skills Requirement and pass the CSET in the subject they plan to teach, such as English, math, or science.
Education Specialist Credential (Special Education):
Requirements vary by pathway but generally include meeting the Basic Skills Requirement and demonstrating subject-matter competence, often through a CSET or approved coursework.
As a student, you can satisfy some exam requirements through qualifying college coursework, degree equivalency, or prior test scores, depending on the institution.
Demonstrate Readiness Through Student Teaching
Student teaching is where preparation becomes practice. During this supervised experience, you’ll work directly in California classrooms, applying what you’ve learned while receiving guidance from experienced educators.
Placements differ by grade level:
- Early childhood and elementary settings emphasize foundational learning and classroom management
- Secondary placements place greater emphasis on subject-area instruction and adolescent development
In both cases, student teaching is designed to build confidence, lesson planning skills, and readiness for your own classroom.
Apply for Your Preliminary California Teaching Credential
Once you’ve completed your preparation program, exams, and student teaching, you’ll apply for your Preliminary California Teaching Credential. This application typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, program verification, and a background check.
The Preliminary Credential allows you to begin teaching as a licensed educator in California and marks the transition from preparation to professional practice.
Complete Induction to Earn a Clear Credential (Your First Two Years of Teaching)
Your first years in the classroom are supported by California’s Induction requirement. During this period, new teachers participate in an accredited program that provides mentoring, feedback, and professional development while they teach full-time.
Successful completion of Induction leads to a Clear Credential, confirming that you’ve met California’s long-term professional teaching standards and are fully credentialed to continue your career.
Looking For California Teaching Credential Schools? Start at The Mount.
Choosing where to earn your teaching credential matters. You’re not just selecting a program; you’re choosing the support system that will carry you from education theory to your first years in the classroom.
Mount Saint Mary’s University approaches educator preparation with intention and practicality. Our master’s and credentialing programs are designed for working adults and career changers, so you can pursue your teaching career without putting your everyday life on pause.
Built-in credentialing pathways enable students to earn a California teaching credential while working toward a master’s, and small cohorts and close faculty mentorship create a learning environment where no student is lost in the crowd.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, MSMU maintains strong partnerships with local school districts, giving candidates:
- Meaningful classroom placements
- Real-world experience
- Diverse teaching environments
MSMU graduates go on to teach in public, private, and charter schools across California with both the practical skills and values-driven foundation today’s classrooms require.
Ready to take the next step?
