Your credential may be transferable to California if it is a professional-level license earned through an educator preparation program and you were required to complete a practicum and pass exams to obtain it. If you are selected for a position at SFUSD, one of our credential analysts will assist you with the process of applying to transfer your credential.
How to transfer my license to California?
Once you have determined that your out-of-state license is transferable to California, follow the instructions on the appropriate CTC leaflet below to determine how to apply for the California credential in the appropriate subject or specialty area that corresponds to the subject or specialty area listed on your out-of-state license.
Credential Types
Multiple Subject credentials
Authorize the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms in most elementary schools. However, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom such as Pre-K, or serve in a core or team teaching setting as in some K-8 and middle schools.
CTC leaflet on Out-of-State Multiple Subject credentials
Single Subject credentials
Authorize the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in middle and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in their subject(s) at any grade level.
CTC leaflet on Out-of-State Single Subject credentials
Education Specialist Instruction credentials
Authorize special education teaching in elementary, middle, and high schools. This credential is issued in specific specialty areas that align with Federal Disability Categories: Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairments, Physical & Health Impairments, Early Childhood Special Education.
CTC leaflet on Out-of-State Education Specialist Instruction credentials
Will I need to apply for English Learner Authorization?
Unless your out-of-state license also has an English Learner Authorization that is transferable to California, you will need to apply for an emergency permit to authorize you to teach English Learners. Similarly, if you are in a bilingual position and do not yet qualify for a Bilingual Authorization, you will need to apply for an emergency permit to authorize you to teach in your bilingual position.
CTC leaflet on English Learner Authorizations
While you are working on completing the requirements for the English Learner Authorization or Bilingual Authorization, it is possible to teach under an emergency permit.
This page was last updated on July 6, 2022