California Teaching Credentials and Authorizations
California credentials describe the setting, subjects, students, and services an educator is authorized to teach. This guide explains the credential and authorization terms commonly found in the CALPADS course-to-credential crosswalk.
The credential document is authoritative
A credential title alone does not establish that every assignment is authorized. Employers must review the educator’s actual document, authorization and subject codes, issuance dates, grade or curriculum limitations, English learner authorization, assignment setting, and applicable state or local assignment options.
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
A Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes teaching multiple subjects in a self-contained classroom, where the same teacher is responsible for most or all subjects. These classrooms are most common in elementary schools.
The credential may also authorize service in qualifying core or team-teaching settings. Core settings are commonly found in grades 5–8, but the exact organization of the assignment matters.
Typical CALPADS connection: Self-contained general education classes, including state course code 1000.
Single Subject Teaching Credentials
A Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes departmentalized instruction in the subject named on the document. It is frequently used in middle and high schools, although the authorization may apply in preschool, K–12, or classes organized primarily for adults when the assignment falls within the credential’s terms.
Broad subject areas matter. California regulations identify courses that fall within each broad Single Subject authorization. Some assignments appear under more than one subject; others have specific restrictions. The employing agency must evaluate the actual course content.
Generally includes agricultural management, mechanics and science, animal science, forestry, horticulture, landscaping, and plant science.
Generally includes visual-art subjects such as drawing, painting, design, art history, ceramics, sculpture, photography, crafts, illustration, and related studio fields.
Generally includes accounting, business communications and management, marketing, business mathematics, consumer education, office applications, keyboarding, and related business technology.
Includes dance composition and production and forms such as ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, folk, traditional, and world dance. Certain older Physical Education authorizations may also authorize dance; the authorization code must be checked.
Generally includes composition, creative writing, grammar, journalism, language arts and structure, literature, poetry, debate, forensics, speech, and public speaking. Certain English authorization codes may also authorize theater content.
Authorizes foundational science curriculum within the scope stated on the credential. It is not interchangeable with every specialized or full science authorization.
Authorizes foundational mathematics curriculum within the limits stated on the document. Advanced secondary mathematics assignments may require a full Mathematics authorization.
Generally includes health education subjects such as nutrition, family life, human sexuality, communicable and sexually transmitted disease education, and substance-use prevention.
Generally includes child and human development, clothing and textiles, consumer and family education, foods and nutrition, housing, parenting, and interior design.
Generally includes automotive mechanics, construction, drafting, electronics, industrial design and crafts, metals, plastics, technical science, welding, woodworking, and certain technology courses.
Generally includes general mathematics, algebra, geometry, calculus, mathematical analysis, statistics and probability, trigonometry, consumer mathematics, and computer science under applicable assignment rules.
Generally includes instrumental and vocal music, music theory and appreciation, and musical theater when the assignment falls within the music authorization.
Generally includes aquatics, movement, gymnastics, conditioning, motor development, sports, weightlifting, and related physical-education content. Some authorization codes also authorize dance, while others do not.
Generally includes anatomy, biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, evolution, genetics, physiology, and zoology.
Generally includes chemical reactions, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the structure and stability of matter.
Generally includes astronomy, cosmology, earth science, geology, meteorology, oceanography, paleontology, and certain forestry content.
Generally includes energy, mechanics, thermodynamics, and other physics content within the authorization.
Generally includes acting, directing, performance and production, improvisation, musical theater, playwriting, stagecraft, makeup, and costume design. Certain older English authorizations may also authorize theater content.
Authorizes instruction in the language named on the credential, including culture, grammar, composition, language structure, and literature. The language of instruction must align with the authorization.
A distinct authorization associated with English language development. The educator’s document and the specific ELD assignment must be reviewed carefully.
Education Specialist Instruction Credentials
Education Specialist credentials authorize instruction, educational assessment, and special-education support in the specialty area named on the credential. The authorization is based on student support needs rather than only on an academic subject.
Mild to Moderate Support Needs
Authorizes service within the disability areas and K–12, transitional-kindergarten, adult-class, and age limits specified by the CTC.
Extensive Support Needs
Authorizes service for students with extensive support needs within the disability areas and age range specified on the credential.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Authorizes specialized instruction and support for qualifying students from birth through age 22.
Visual Impairments
Authorizes specialized instruction and support for qualifying students from birth through age 22.
Early Childhood Special Education
Authorizes qualifying early-childhood special-education service from birth through kindergarten, subject to the credential’s exact terms.
Designated Subjects Career Technical Education Credential
A Designated Subjects CTE Teaching Credential authorizes career technical, trade, or vocational instruction in the industry sector or sectors named on the document. Current credentials may authorize service in grades 12 and below and classes organized primarily for adults. Occupational experience and the actual industry sector are central to assignment appropriateness.
Currently issued CTE industry sectors
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Arts, Media, and Entertainment
- Building and Construction Trades
- Business and Finance
- Education, Child Development, and Family Services
- Energy, Environment, and Utilities
- Engineering and Architecture
- Fashion and Interior Design
- Health Science and Medical Technology
- Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Manufacturing and Product Development
- Marketing, Sales, and Service
- Public Services
- Transportation
Legacy and no-longer-issued credentials
California educators may hold valid credentials issued under earlier laws and regulations. A document that is no longer initially issued may still authorize service. Never reject or approve an assignment merely because the credential title differs from a currently issued document; review its authorization codes, issuance date, renewal status, and CTC guidance.
Official assignment resources
Authorization Sort Table
Search the credential, authorization, and subject codes currently issued by the Commission.
Open the sort tableSingle Subject Areas
Review the subjects California identifies within each broad departmentalized authorization.
Review subject areasCTE Credential Guidance
Review the CTE authorization, industry sectors, occupational-experience requirements, and transition guidance.
Read CTE guidanceSearch an Educator
Verify the public status and authorizations displayed for an individual California educator.
Open educator search