California Teacher Certification Renewal
Learn how to renew a Professional Educator Certification or reinstate a Professional Educator Certification in California
Teaching Certification Renewal
Preliminary teaching credentials may not be renewed after their five-year expiration. You must meet the requirements for a Clear Credential during the five-year life of your Preliminary Credential.
Requirements
One of the following options must be completed:
- Complete a Commission-approved General Education Induction Program. California colleges, universities, counties, districts and other entities offer these. Included within this program are advanced classes in health education, special populations, computer technology and teaching English learners.
- Become certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This involves meeting education, experience and examination requirements. See Table 1 on this guide to determine the area in which you must become national board-certified to obtain your California Clear Credential.
To apply for your Clear Credential, submit a Renewal Application along with fees and supporting documents to State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing; Certification, Assignment and Waivers Division; Attention: Applications; 1900 Capitol Avenue; Sacramento, CA 95811-4213.
Once you receive your California Clear Credential, it is valid for five years. Although the Commission used to require 150 hours of professional growth to renew a clear credential, clear credentials may now be renewed without verifying any professional or continuing education requirements.
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Reinstatement of Certification
If your California teaching credential is revoked for failing to fulfill your contract duties or for misconduct, you must wait one year from the effective date of your credential to apply for reinstatement. You must submit a letter requesting reinstatement along with an application and appropriate fees. Complete the Petition for Reinstatement Packet and mail it, along with supporting documents and fees, to Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Division of Professional Practices, 1900 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95811-4213. If you have any questions, call the Division at (916) 324-5953.
