The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) maintains credentialing records for teachers and substitutes for the entire state. The CTC also oversees teaching certificate renewal processes. Learn the basics of the renewal process and how to mount a teaching certificate defense strategy in the event of a revocation.
Types of Teaching Certifications in California
There are three levels of teaching certificates in California:
- Preliminary (Level I): Good for five years, cannot be renewed, and mandates that you meet additional requirements and upgrade your certificate
- Clear (Level II): Signifies that all of your education requirements have been met and must be renewed online
- Life Credentials: No longer issued, but previously issued life credentials are still valid
The CTC also offers emergency 30-day substitute permits. They can be renewed online.
The Process to Apply for Your Teaching Certification Renewal
Renewing your teaching certificate is relatively simple. Here are the steps to renewing the certification so you can return your schools as an educator:
Determine Your Timeline
The standard timeline for clear credentials is five years. However, you can renew your certificate for up to one year before it expires. You should initiate the process early to avoid any lapses.
If you have preliminary credentials, they are also valid for five years. However, you cannot renew them. They must be upgraded to clear credentials. If you are currently working under preliminary credentials, make sure you meet all educational requirements to qualify for upgraded credentials.
The only California teaching credentials that have a different timeline are 30-day emergency credentials. If you are working under a 30-day substitute permit, make sure to renew your permit at least 10 days before expiration to avoid a lapse.
Steps to Access the CTC Website
Next, visit the CTC website and click on “Educator Login” to access your profile. If you haven’t registered before, you’ll need to create an account by providing the requested verification information. The entire process should only take a few minutes.
Update Your Personal Information
Review all personal information, including your mailing address and email. The CTC will send important notifications to your email address, so it’s vital that all information is accurate.
Select the Credential
Once you’ve logged into your profile, head to the “Renew Your Document” section. Locate the clear credential or emergency substitute permit that you want to renew and select “Yes.” If your credential does not appear in the renewal section, contact the CTC for assistance.
Complete the Professional Fitness Questionnaire
You’ll be required to answer a series of professional fitness questions related to your conduct and background. Answer them truthfully. Inaccuracies or omissions can lead to processing delays or disciplinary action.
If you find yourself facing disciplinary action or allegations of misconduct, consult with a teaching certificate defense lawyer right away. Make sure this legal professional is experienced in California law, as the state has some of the most stringent certificate regulations in the country.
Pay Your Fee
Once you complete the questionnaire, simply pay the renewal fee, which currently sits at $102.50 per credential. You can pay via debit or credit card.
Wait
The CTC typically processes them within 10 business days. Make sure to check the status of your application through your online profile. If there are any delays or issues, the CTC should contact you via email.
There are instances where it may take longer than 10 days. Make sure you begin the process early so that you can avoid a lapse in your credentials. If your credentials lapse, you will be unable to teach until they are reinstated.
Print Your Renewed Credentials
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing will not mail you a copy of your certification. If you need a physical copy, you can print it directly from your online account.
Renewal Requirements
If your clear certification has expired, you can still renew it online. However, you are not authorized to work in a public school or as an educator during the lapse period, which begins on the expiration date and the date your renewal requirements are approved. If you teach without a valid credential, you will face disciplinary action, which may include:
- Fines
- Probation
- Certification revocation
If you are working with preliminary educator credentials, remember that they are not renewable. You must complete a commission-approved program or meet alternative requirements specified by the CTC so that you can upgrade to a clear credential. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin. Start at least one year before your preliminary credentials expire.
Previously, educators were required to complete professional growth activities for each credential renewal period. This is no longer the case for clear credentials. Once you obtain those, you can renew without submitting proof of any continuing education requirements.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Renew the Certification After Revocation?
If your teaching certification was voluntarily revoked, you have to wait a minimum of one year from the effective date of the revocation. You will need to pay the current fee and submit an application to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. You must also submit a letter to the CTC to request reinstatement.
If all of your credentials were revoked, you may be required to provide additional documentation. The commission will review all of your documents and decide whether to reinstate your license.
If they deny your request, you can appeal the decision. However, the appeals process can be complicated to navigate, and the burden of proof falls on you. Therefore, it’s important to partner with an experienced teaching certificate defense attorney so that you can present a strong case for reinstatement to the CTC.
Consult With a Teaching Certificate Defense Attorney
California has made great strides to simplify the teaching credential renewal process. However, renewing your credentials following a revocation can be challenging. If you’re facing disciplinary action or want to contest a previous ruling against your teaching certificate, S J Harris Law can help. As an experienced teaching certificate defense attorney, S J Harris possesses the subject matter expertise necessary to protect your professional reputation. Schedule a consultation today.
