How to Become a Teacher in California

Published on: February 4, 2016 | 8 minutes read

By: Kristy Pruitt

Education

Teaching may be one of the most meaningful careers. Educators have the privilege of shaping future generations and setting children up for success in our rapidly changing world.

The important role a teacher plays is reflected in the requirements to become one. Each state has its own teaching criteria, but there is always an emphasis on quality education and childhood development.

In California, teachers must complete a degree and teaching credential program, gain classroom experience, and earn certification before they can teach in a classroom of their own.

While becoming a teacher can be a challenging process, it’s a worthwhile endeavor. And when you attend a reputable college, such as the School of Education at Alliant University, you embark on that challenge with the in-depth knowledge and hands-on training you need to succeed.

From the first step to the final accomplishment, this guide explains how to become a teacher in California.

Key Takeaways

Teaching is a regulated field that requires, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree, a training program, and a state license.
The process of becoming a California teacher can take between five and seven years.
Some universities, such as Alliant, integrate the training and licensure requirements into their curricula for a more streamlined career pathway.

Becoming a Teacher in California

Becoming a teacher might seem like an overwhelming or confusing process, but as the saying goes, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” When you know what steps to take, that journey becomes far simpler.

Here are the steps that will propel you into a career in education and help you begin teaching.

Step 1: Confirm That Teaching Suits You

First, determine if a teaching role aligns with your personal and professional goals. Teaching can be challenging and requires patience and dedication, so consider the advantages and drawbacks of various educational settings. If you are researching how to get a teaching certificate, you likely already have a passion for mentorship and community service.

Ask yourself these questions to help you decide:

Do I find fulfillment in serving? Teachers constantly support their students, whether they are helping kindergartners tie their shoes or guiding high school seniors through college applications. Being a teacher requires a genuine love for children and a desire to aid in their development. If you feel fulfilled by serving others, a career in education may be right for you.

Do I love to learn? Teaching requires being a student as well as an educator. Educators are always learning through continuing education courses, teaching conferences, and from their students. If you find it interesting to learn and expand your knowledge, teaching may be an ideal profession.

Am I comfortable with the salary? As with any career, it is important to be informed about the salary and other financial considerations of teaching. Consider researching average teacher salaries in your area or speaking with your past instructors.

Step 2: Decide What You Want to Teach

Before you start your teacher education credential program, you will need to choose which subject area or specialization most appeals to you.

Do you want to teach elementary education at the grade school level? Or does teaching high school appeal to you more? Would you want to specialize in math, science, art, or computers? Would you be interested in helping children with special needs?

As a prospective teacher, the educational and licensing requirements you will need to meet will vary depending on the grade level or specialization you choose.

Teaching at the elementary school level requires a broad, multi-subject education, while teaching in middle or high school calls for a focus on a single subject. You can also specialize in special education. The School of Education at Alliant University offers programs for all of these options.

Whichever program you choose, completing it is an essential step in becoming a California teacher. With a bachelor’s degree in hand, you can advance to the next step.

Step 3: Gain Teaching Experience

An important and required aspect of becoming a teacher is a teaching practicum. The practicum is part of a larger post-university training step known as the educator preparation program. Some universities, such as Alliant, include the preparation program as part of their curriculum.

To gain teaching experience, you will teach in a public school alongside licensed teachers as an intern. This practicum lets you pick up invaluable information from working professionals.

Your practical classroom experience will give you the skills you need to pass the examinations for your California teacher’s license.

Step 4: Obtain a Formal Recommendation From Your University

Next, you will need a formal recommendation for the preliminary credential. This recommendation can come from your college or university, as well as your teacher preparation program. You may be asked to submit a portfolio that highlights your experience and qualifications as a teacher.

Step 5: Pass All Required Tests

Another important part of the credentialing process is proving you have the proper skills to be a teacher by passing a number of exams required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Required exams include:

California Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST) – This test will verify that you are proficient in basic skills. The CBEST test contains three sections: reading, writing, and mathematics.
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) – The test will verify that you are competent in the subject matters you want to teach. For Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, you will take the CSET Multiple Subjects exam, which consists of three sub-tests. For Single Subject Teaching Credentials, you will take the specific CSET for whichever subject you want to teach.
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) – If you wish to become an elementary school teacher or special education teacher, you will need to pass this exam. The RICA test is designed to confirm that prospective teachers possess the knowledge and skills to provide reading instruction to their students.

Step 6: Apply for a Job

With the completed teacher certification requirements, you can look into job vacancies and find your ideal workplace. You may also connect with colleagues in the education field. Many schools or university programs provide resources, such as career and credentialing advisors, as well as fieldwork opportunities that can lead to full-time employment.

Alliant University offers a unique path to California teacher credentialing through our intern teaching track. This approach allows students to serve as a teacher-of-record in their classrooms while earning their teacher certification, rather than shadowing another teacher after completing subject credential coursework. The intern track is a paid opportunity to prepare teachers more quickly by allowing them to practice their trade, ensuring the truest form of hands-on, professional practice.

What Degree Do You Need to Become a Teacher in California?

In the Golden State, all teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, the degree does not need to be in Education; future teachers can earn a bachelor’s degree in whichever subject they plan to teach.

A degree is not the only requirement. To teach in California (and in many other states), teachers must also complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. As mentioned, an educator preparation program involves teaching-specific skills training and in-classroom experience, and is a vital part of credentialing.

The School of Education at Alliant University integrates the educator preparation program into the degree program of aspiring teachers, allowing for a streamlined process.

Explore Teacher Programs

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher in California?

From start to finish, becoming a qualified teacher in California typically takes 5 to 7 years. While there is more than one path to becoming a teacher, most aspiring educators follow this timeline:

Bachelor’s degree (4 years) – The first, and longest, part of becoming a teacher is earning a bachelor’s degree in your chosen subject. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree usually takes around four years, though some students take more or less time based on their personal circumstances.
Teacher credential program (1 to 2 years) – The next part of the process is the mandatory educator preparation program. Some university teaching programs integrate this requirement into the curriculum.
Student teaching or intern experience (1 to 2 years) – Future teachers must also gain in-classroom experience, either as paid interns or student teachers. Internship pathways are common at career-focused institutions like Alliant University.

Types of Teaching Credentials in California

For teachers, formal education culminates in applying for a teaching credential. Depending on the level of schooling you wish to teach (elementary, middle, etc.), you will have to obtain one of the following credentials:^[1]

Multiple Subject Credential – If you want to teach at the elementary level, you will need the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. This license proves that a teacher can provide general instruction on a range of core topics.
Single Subject Credential – If you want to become a high school teacher in California, you will need the Single Subject Teaching Credential. This license indicates that a teacher has advanced competence in a particular topic, such as math, English, or music.
Special Education Teaching Credential – If you want to be one of the California teachers who work in special education, you will need the Special Education Teaching Credential. This license shows that the recipient is equipped to support K–12 children with disabilities.

Start Your California Teacher Journey Today

If you are ready to start your journey to becoming a teacher, Alliant University is a wise choice. Our School of Education offers several teaching credentials and educational degree programs to help new educators start their teaching careers.

To learn more about our programs or how to become a teacher, contact us today.

Sources:

^[1] “Credential Types.” Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Accessed March 17, 2026. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/assignment-resources/credential-types.