How to Become a Teacher

We believe passion is the touchstone of all teaching and as teachers we bring our hearts and minds into the classroom.

There are many ways to become a TK-12 teacher. At its most basic, becoming an elementary or secondary teacher or education specialist in California requires:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
2. Basic Skills Requirement: California requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. This can be through several options including coursework or CBEST exams.
3. Subject Matter Competency Requirement: Teacher candidates in California are required to demonstrate competence in the subject matter they will be authorized to teach.
4. Certificate of Clearance: Prior to being allowed into any classroom to complete observations, fieldwork, or student teaching, you must obtain a Certificate of Clearance* through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
5. A teaching credential (also called a preliminary or Level 1 credential) for public, private, or charter schools in California.
   -- multiple subject preliminary credential to teach elementary school
   -- single subject preliminary credential to teach middle or high school
   -- education specialist preliminary credential to teach students with special needs

Required Tests

You may be required to pass other tests to be eligible for a credential program. Check requirements, tests, and deadlines for your chosen credential program before applying to a Cal Poly Humboldt credential program. 

Eligibility & Application Information

• Undergraduate Elementary Education
• Educational Leadership
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Education Specialist

Undergraduate students can enroll in any of the basic credential coursework provided they have met the prerequisites and have instructor approval.

Preliminary Credential vs. Clear Credential

After meeting basic credential requirements, you’ll be issued a preliminary credential, which is good for five years. During that time, California teachers will be required to obtain a clear credential, which is issued when all credential requirements have been completed, before the preliminary credential expires.

Credential candidate records including application files, student teaching evaluations, credential recommendations and  other related materials are maintained in the School of Education on a secure server for 7 years.