Human Resources - Credentials
Associate Superintendent,
Karen Sakata
925.942.3387
Credentials Analyst, Kandi Gravenmier
925.942.3302
| Credentials Contacts: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credentials Analyst | 925.942.3302 | |
| HR Technician | 925.942.3371 | |
| FAX, Human Resources | 925.942.3482 | |
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Credentials Contacts
- Job Fairs
- Current Career Opportunities
- Credential Registration & Fees:
- Contra Costa County Office of Education Forms:
- Exams & Other Requirements:
- General Information:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Becoming a Credentialed Teacher in California
Teachers must be certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) in order to be employed by a California public school. Once an individual completes all requirements for certification in California, he or she may apply for an receive a California teaching credential.
Multiple Subject Credential: Elementary School
In California, the appropriate credential to teach in an elementary school setting is the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. This credential authorizes public school teaching in a self-contained classroom in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 through 12, and classes organized primarily for adults. A self-contained classroom is most often found at the elementary school level.
Single Subject Credential: Middle/High School
The appropriate credential to teach a single subject in a departmentalized classroom, such as Math or English at the middle school or high school level, is the Single Subject Teaching Credential. This credential authorizes public school teaching in a departmentalized classroom in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 through 12, and classes organized primarily for adults.
How to Renew Permits and Credentials
Substitute permits, some child development permits, and all professional clear and clear credentials must be renewed online through the CTC website at: https://teachercred.ctc.ca.gov/teachers/RenewableSearchProxy
In the event that the Commission's website won't allow you to renew online, you will need to obtain and process the renewal form (41-REN) through Human Resources in the district where you work.. The renewal fee is currently $55 payable only to CTC.
Substitute Teacher Requirements
The minimum requirements for substitute teaching assignments are a Bachelor Degree and passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). If you meet these requirements, you may apply for an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Permit. The substitute permit is valid for one year and will allow you to substitute teach on a day-to-day basis for up to 30 days in the same classroom. 20 days in a Special Education classroom.
More information can be found on the CCTC Web Site at www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/substitute.html
Adult Education Credentials (Designated Subject Credentials)
Designated Subjects Credentials authorize teaching or service in technical, trade, or vocational courses or in courses organized primarily for adults. The requirements generally include experience in the subject. View a downloadable list of approved designated subjects credential programs here (PDF)
More information can also be found on the CCTC Web Site at www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/CREDS/adult-voc-ed.html
CBEST/Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is administered by the National Evaluation Systems (NES). The exam consists of basic reading, writing and math skills. Information and registration for the CBEST exam are available online at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com. You may also contact NES by phone at 916-928-4001. The test is given approximately every other month. Teaching or Service Credentials require passage of CBEST, CSET: Multiple Subject Plus the Writing Examination or other approved BSR exams before an application will be accepted if you are California trained.
Exams including Subject Matter Competence
Subject Matter Competence - The subject area listed on the out-of-state credential authorization must correspond to a California subject area in order for the Commission to issue a credential. If the subject(s) listed on the out-of-state credential are other than "elementary teaching" or "self-contained teaching", a preliminary credential will be issued but the applicant will be required to meet California subject matter requirements before the clear credential may be issued. For greater detail about subject matter competence, refer to CTC leaflet CL-674M (multiple subject) or CL-674S (single subject)
- CTEL California Teachers of English Learners
- CSET California Subjects Examination for Teachers
- RICA Reading Instruction Competence Assessment
- SLLA School Leaders Licensure Assessment
Fingerprinting Requirements (Livescanning)
Before beginning paid service, California public school employees must be fingerprinted and a criminal background clearance must be received by the employing school district. Electronic fingerprinting (Livescan) results normally take one to two weeks after the Department of Justice receives the fingerprints. Criminal background check results can take up to four weeks.
Livescan services are available at the Contra Costa County Office of Education by appointment only. Please phone 925.942.3398 for an appointment.
Substitute applicants who have not submitted fingerprint clearance through a California university or college, must submit a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Livescan Form as well as a Clearinghouse Livescan for employment. (Both of these forms are available through Contra Costa County Office of Education or individual school districts.)
The total fee for this “two-form” service is $76 payable by cash or check to CCCOE and collected by the Livescan operator at the time services are rendered. Please bring a valid drivers license with you for Identification purposes.
Individuals who have been convicted of serious and/or violent crimes are precluded from being hired by California public school districts. Individuals who are awaiting trial for serious and/or violent crimes are also precluded from rendering service in California public schools until the matter has been legally concluded.
United States Constitution Examination
The United States Constitution Examination, given by the Contra Costa County Office of Education, meets the Constitution requirement for the Single Subject, Multiple Subjects, Vocational and Adult Education credentials. Advance registration is required by calling 925.942.3317.
The exam is composed of 75 true and false questions and takes approximately one hour to complete. Results of the exam will be mailed directly to the candidate from UCLA Education Extension, approximately two weeks after the exam.
The recommended study guide is “Twenty-five Lessons in Citizenship” by D.L. Hennessey. This book is available in bookstores or at your local library. It is also available for sale on the Internet at www.amazon.com
When: Third Thursday of each month (January – November)
Second Thursday in December
TIME: 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
COST: There are two separate fees payable at the test site:
- $60 payable to UC Regents (check only)
- $10 payable to CCCOE (check only)
WHERE: Contra Costa County Office of Education
Human Resources Department
77 Santa Barbara Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
PHONE: 925.942.3317 to register
Fee Information
The application processing fee for substitute permits, child development permits and teaching credentials is $70. There is a $15 processing fee if you are a non-CCCOE employee. This fee must be submitted in the form of a money order or cashier’s check. The $70 fee is made payable to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and $15 fee is made payable to CCCOE. No personal checks will be accepted.
Application Fees (effective July 1, 2012)
| Certificate of Clearance | $35.00 |
| All Permits and Credentials | $70.00 |
| Online Renewal | $72.00 |
| Other Fees | |
| Renewal of All Permits and Credentials | $35.00 |
| Certificate of Eligibility |
$35.00 |
| Exchange of LDS/BCC | $35.00 |
| Request for Duplicate (form cl-566) | $35.00 |
| Request for Name Change | $35.00 |
| Request for Restriction Change | $35.00 |
| Credentials Contacts: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credentials Analyst | 925.942.3302 | |
| HR Technician | 925.942.3371 | |
| FAX, Human Resources | 925.942.3482 | |
Page Updated On:
Copyright © 2012 Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools.
77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523