Complete guide to renewing your California teaching credential, including clear credentials, induction programs, and the CSTP framework.
Unlike most states, California does not require ongoing professional development hours for clear credential renewal. However, preliminary credentials must be cleared through an induction program, and tracking your PD is still valuable for career advancement and district requirements.
Your first California teaching credential. Valid for 5 years and not renewable. Must be cleared before expiration.
Your professional California teaching credential. Valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely.
Valid for the life of the holder. Life credentials were issued until September 1, 1985, and are no longer initially issued. Previously issued life credentials remain valid and require no renewal.
If you earned your preliminary credential through out-of-state preparation, you can clear it by completing 150 clock hours of professional activities that meet the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).
District or school-provided training
Professional workshops and seminars
1 semester unit = 15 clock hours
Related to CSTP standards
The CSTP provides a common language for describing the scope and complexity of the teaching profession. These standards guide induction programs and professional growth.
Connect learning to students' prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests
Promote social development and responsibility within a caring community
Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter and student development
Use effective instructional strategies and resources
Apply knowledge of assessment purposes, processes, and reporting
Reflect on teaching practice, pursue professional growth, collaborate with colleagues
Even without state renewal requirements, tracking your PD is valuable for:
No. California clear credentials can be renewed without completing professional development hours. The Commission removed this requirement. However, preliminary credentials must be cleared through an induction program, and out-of-state teachers need 150 clock hours of professional activities meeting CSTP standards.
Induction is a two-year, job-embedded program that provides new teachers with mentoring and professional development. It's required to clear your preliminary credential. Programs are offered by districts, county offices, universities, and other Commission-approved sponsors. You'll work with a mentor/support provider who helps you meet the CSTP standards.
Preliminary credentials are not renewable. If it expires before clearing, you may need to apply for a Short-Term Staff Permit or other emergency authorization while completing induction requirements. It's important to enroll in an induction program as soon as possible after receiving your preliminary credential.
Out-of-state teachers can obtain a California preliminary credential by submitting transcripts, passing required exams (if applicable), and completing a background check. To clear the credential, you can complete a California induction program OR complete 150 clock hours of professional activities related to the CSTP standards.
Yes! While California doesn't require PD for clear credential renewal, our platform helps you track induction program progress, document professional activities for out-of-state credential clearing, meet district-specific requirements, build a career portfolio, and prepare documentation for salary advancement or added authorizations.
Not in California? Find requirements for your state.
Document your professional development journey, meet district requirements, and build your teaching portfolio with Classroom Walkthroughs.