How to apply if you don’t have a teaching credential

Application Opens: Monday, March 2, 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026

If you do not currently possess a teaching credential, nor are you currently enrolled in a teaching credential program, you are required to take all three courses in the program. We will next offer these courses starting in Fall 2026. The application below is open for this population only.

CTE Courses:

• EDSS 291 - Foundations in Career Technical Education: Bridging Industry to the Classroom.
• EDSS 392 - Teaching Strategies for the CTE Classroom: Supporting All Students.
• EDSS 393 - Assessment for Instruction in the CTE Classroom.

We set you up for success with our CTE program application process. Our application prepares you to be eligible to request your preliminary CTE credential immediately after submitting all items. 

Step 1: Please complete the application at this link.

Step 2: Upon completing the application, check your email for a link to upload the other required documents and your work experience verification letter. Your application is not complete until all documents are received. These documents can include:

• Resume/CV

• Transcripts from all institutions attended. High school, GED, bachelor’s, or master’s are sufficient. (Please upload un/officials using the link in your email. DO NOT submit to Sacramento State Admissions).

• Any licenses or credentials

• Proof of CPR completed for all ages (infant, child, and adult. Online or in-person coursework accepted).

• Certificate of Clearance How to Apply for the Certificate of Clearance instructions (Important: Your personal profile must be created on the CTC website on or before the day you get your fingerprints taken. You must answer the personal fitness questions and pay for your Certificate of Clearance. Find LiveScan locations here).

• Evidence of three years’ work experience directly related to CTE sector you’re seeking. Can be paid or unpaid, part-time, or full-time, employed or self-employed.

  • Evidence of work experience should be written and include:

    • Employer’s name, address, and phone number

    • The working relationship of the person signing the verification to the applicant

    • Beginning and end dates of employment

    • A complete description of duties

    • Statement confirming full-time or part-time work. (If employment was less than full-time, the number of hours the applicant was employed is required)

    • A signature by the applicant’s past or present employer(s) on company letterhead

• Work verification sample letter examples can be viewed here.

Please check out the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website for full details regarding CTE credential issuance and work experience verification definitions.