Credential Services

The SJSU Lurie College of Education Credential Services office serves the diverse educational needs of graduate students, staff and faculty in an effort to prepare teachers, counselors, administrators and other education professionals as they complete their credential programs. Refer to the information below learn more about the resources and services provided by the Credential Services office. If you are interested in enrolling in a credential program at San Jose State University, visit the Lurie College of Education Academics webpage to learn more about the programs available.

• Credential Services Office Overview
• Steps to Apply
• Credential Checklists
• Frequently Asked Questions
• General Credential Information

Credential Services Office Overview

Location: Sweeney Hall 445 
Email: credentials@sjsu.edu
Phone: 408-924-3541

Office Hours: 

• Monday  8-12 pm & 1-5 pm
• Tuesday  7:30-12 pm & 1-5 pm
• Wednesday  7:30-12 pm & 1-5 pm
• Thursday  7:30-12pm & 1-4:30pm
• Friday  7:30-12pm & 1-5 pm by phone, email, and Zoom

Office Closure 

• November 10 - Veteran's Day
• November 23 & 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday
• December 25 - 29 - Winter Break Closure
• January 1, 2024 - New Year's Day

Credential Analysts

Ha Thai
Senior Credential Services Specialist
ha.thai@sjsu.edu

Catherine Davis
Credential Analyst
catherine.davis@sjsu.edu

Steps to Apply 

All credential applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Information Coversheet [pdf] - Download the form and save a copy.  Type in your information and print.
2. Pay the $25 application processing fee at commerce.cashnet.com/SJSUCRD.  Print your receipt and submit it with your application packet.
3. Download and print the appropriate credential checklist from the chart below and any additional forms if required. Submit all required documents listed on the checklist.
4. Review the Terms and Definitions of Credential Requirements [pdf]

Notes:

• An overall 3.0 GPA in your credential coursework is required and you may not be disqualified from SJSU to be recommended for the credential.  
• Each course must be completed with a Pass, CR, or C or better grade.
• Your coursework must have been completed within the last 7 years. Coursework pass 7 years will require an evaluation by the program department to determine if current credential standards are met.
• Exams required for credentialing purposes expire after 10 years from the date of the exam with the exception of the Basic Skills Requirement which is valid for life.
• Submit a complete application packet including official transcripts if required. 
• Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
• Processing time is 4 weeks from the time you file your application with our office.
• Applications may be emailed to credentials@sjsu.edu or sent by postal mail to Credential Services for processing.

Credential Checklists

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get started in a credential program?
  • Visit the Lurie College of Education Academics webpage to view and learn more about the credential programs available at SJSU.
• How do I obtain a Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) certificate?
  • You may take the CTEL (CA Teachers of English Learners) exam, subtests I, II, and II.  Go to ctel.nesinc.com for more information.  If you pass you may apply directly with the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the CLAD certificate. There are also CTC approved CLAD programs if you prefer to complete coursework. You may contact CTC at credentials@ctc.ca.gov for information.
• Do I have to submit official transcripts from ALL colleges where I attended?
  • No, Credential Services should have access to all of your transcripts if you are a matriculated student. In the event that we are unable to locate your transcript(s) in the SJSU document database, you may be required to submit them.  SJSU transcripts must show passing grades through your final semester of the credential program as well as any coursework approved for BSR and/or SMC requirements . Speech-Language Pathology and PPS credential candidates must have their MA degree conferred on their SJSU transcripts before applying for their credential. 
• If I received my bachelor's degree from outside of the U.S. do I need to turn in those transcripts?
  • No, however, your foreign transcripts require an evaluation by an agency approved by CTC.  You must have an equivalent U.S. bachelor's degree with a minimum of 120 semester units completed.  Review the CTC leaflet cl-635 for a list of CTC-approved agencies. If you used on the approved agencies for your foreign transcript evaluation and it was submitted to SJSU for admission, we should have access to it. 
• Is my U.S. bachelor's/master's degree valid for obtaining a CA teaching credential?
  • The CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing can only accept coursework and degrees completed at regionally accredited institutions.  Degrees and coursework must have been completed while the institution was regionally accredited in order for the Commission to consider them for credentialing purposes.  Please go to CTC Acceptable Accreditation Bodies for current listings.
• If my bachelor's degree is from outside of the U.S. but my master's or PhD is from a U.S. institution do I still need to have my transcripts evaluated for my bachelor's degree?
  • No, as long as your master's or PhD degree is from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., then you will only need to submit an official transcript showing that degree.
• Can I obtain a master's degree and a credential at the same time?
  • Yes, however, you cannot be enrolled in two SJSU programs at the same time but some coursework may overlap.  Please check with the program departments for information.
• Can I take Health and Mainstreaming at another university to meet my SB2042 Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject credential?
  • Currently, SJSU accepts courses from UC Santa Cruz Extension - XSC265 Becoming a Professional Educator and the University of San Diego Extension - X569I Health Education & X569H Mainstreaming, for meeting these requirements.
• Can I submit copies of my test scores and keep my original test results?
  • Yes, copies of CBEST, CSET, RICA, Computer Technology Level I, and the U.S. Constitution test results (if applicable) are acceptable.
• What if my CPR card has expired?
  • The Adult, Child & Infant CPR card must be valid at the time of filing for your credential.  If your CPR is expired, you must retake the course.  
• If I submit a copy of my Internship credential what does this meet when I apply for my preliminary credential?
  • An Internship credential means you have already submitted evidence of a bachelor's degree, basic skills requirement (BSR), subject matter competency (SMC), US Constitution, and Certificate of Clearance (fingerprinting).  You may submit a copy of your Internship credential in lieu of these documents.
• Your Information Sheet contains a statement regarding release of information and privacy. What information do you release and to whom?
  • Frequently we get calls from school districts, principals, counties office of education, credential analysts from other universities, and the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing regarding your credential application. We do not give out personal information unless you give us us consent.
• How do I clear my Preliminary SB2042 Multiple or Single Subject credential?
  • You must complete an induction program which is offered at all public school districts and some county offices of education. Upon completion, your induction program sponsor will assist you in applying for your clear credential.  SJSU is not authorized to process applications for clear credentials completed through a district induction program. 
• What if my school district (employer) has no induction program in order for me to clear my SB2042 preliminary credential?
  • This may happen in the case of a private school.  Your school district may ask other school districts if they will accept you into their induction program as a courtesy, or you may enroll in an approved clear program offered through an institution.  Contact CTC at credentials@ctc.ca.gove for a current listing.
• How do I renew my clear credential?
  • You may renew most clear credentials online through the CTC website. If you are unable to renew it online, you may contact CTC directly at credentials@ctc.ca.gov for guidance.
• What is a C-19 letter and how can I prove to my employer that I have applied for my credential?
  • C-19 letters are only issued to individuals who must submit a paper application which may take 3-6 months to process.  All online recommendations are processed within 2-4 weeks and employers will be able to verify your application once you make your payment online.
• How can I obtain a CA credential if I did my coursework and received a credential from another state?
  • You may submit a direct application to CTC for an evaluation to determine if you qualify for a CA credential based on an out of state program. You may contact CTC directly at credentials@ctc.ca.gov for information on how to file.
• How can I contact the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing?

  • Email: credentials@ctc.ca.gov 

    Mailing Address:

    CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
    1900 Capitol Avenue 
    Sacramento, CA 95811-4213

• How can I obtain a duplicate copy of my credential?
  •  Visit the CTC website at  www.ctc.ca.gov. Log on to your Educator Account and print a copy.
• How do I change my name at the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing and get a new credential showing my new name?
  •  Visit the CTC website at www.ctc.ca.gov. You must submit a request to CTC to have your personal information updated.
• How do I change my address with the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing?
  • Visit the CTC website at ww.ctc.ca.gov or you may contact CTC at credentials@ctc.ca.gov.