How to Become a Teacher in California Without a Teaching Degree

Becoming a teacher in California without a traditional teaching degree is more possible than many people realize. With the state facing ongoing teacher shortages in high-demand subjects such as math, science, and special education, California offers several alternative certification pathways that enable individuals with non-education degrees to enter the classroom.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a career changer, or someone passionate about education, this guide explains exactly how to teach in California without a teaching degree — including requirements, exams, and pathways approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Can You Become a Teacher in California Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, you can. In California, you don’t need a teaching degree (a degree specifically in education). What you do need is a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution and a teaching credential issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Here’s the key difference:

• Teaching degree: An academic degree in education, often including classroom practice.

• Teaching credential: A state-issued license proving you meet professional and subject standards to teach in California.

Instead of completing a traditional college teaching program, you can pursue alternative certification options through CTC-approved institutions, such as intern programs or district-sponsored pathways.

Basic Requirements to Teach in California (Without an Education Degree)

Even if your degree isn’t in education, you must meet California’s baseline teacher certification requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

All California teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The field of study can be anything — from biology to business — as long as it’s from an approved institution. This flexibility is what makes teaching possible for career changers and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Subject Matter Competency Options

California requires proof that you’re competent in the subject you plan to teach. You can meet this requirement in one of two ways:

1. Pass the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) in your content area, or

2. Complete an approved subject-matter program in your major (often available through universities).

If your bachelor’s degree directly aligns with your teaching subject — for example, a math degree for math teaching — it may automatically meet this requirement, pending CTC approval.

Background Checks & Fingerprinting

All teacher candidates must complete fingerprinting through Live Scan and pass a character and background check before receiving a credential or employment. This ensures compliance with the state’s safety and ethical standards for educators.

Alternative Pathways to Teaching in California

If you don’t have a teaching degree, the following CTC-approved pathways make it possible to start teaching while earning your credential.

California Intern Credential Program

The Intern Credential Program is one of the most popular routes for those without a teaching degree. It allows you to teach in a classroom while completing credential coursework at a university or district-approved program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree.

• Meet basic skills (CBEST) and subject matter (CSET) requirements.

• Pass a background check.

• Be enrolled in a CTC-approved intern program.

Pros:

• Earn a full salary while teaching.

• Gain hands-on experience.

• Complete your credential within 1–2 years.

Cons:

• Heavy workload balancing teaching and coursework.

• Available mostly in shortage subject areas.

Emergency Teaching Permit (Short-Term Option)

If a school has an urgent need for qualified teachers, you may be eligible for a Short-Term Staff Permit (STSP) or Provisional Internship Permit (PIP).

Key Details:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree and meet some subject competence standards.

• Sponsored by a school district.

• Valid for one year while you complete credentialing requirements.

This is not a long-term credential but can help you gain immediate classroom experience and qualify for an intern program later.

Private School Teaching Without a Credential

Private schools in California operate under different regulations and may hire teachers without a state-issued credential. However, they often prefer applicants with strong subject knowledge and teaching skills.

Pros: Flexible hiring standards; great for gaining teaching experience.
Cons: Credentials not transferable to public schools; limited pay growth compared to public districts.

Exams Required to Teach in California

CBEST (Basic Skills Requirement)

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) measures reading, writing, and math skills. It’s required for nearly all teaching credential applicants unless you qualify for an alternative assessment (like high SAT/ACT scores or college coursework equivalencies).

CSET (Subject Matter Exams)

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) confirm your mastery of subject-area knowledge.

• Single Subject CSET: For secondary-level subjects (like English, Math, or Science).

• Multiple Subject CSET: For elementary-level teaching.

Passing scores remain valid for multiple years and are required before entering most intern or preliminary credential programs.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Teacher in California Without a Teaching Degree

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree (any major).

2. Decide what and where you want to teach (elementary, middle, high school, or private school).

3. Prove subject matter competency by passing the CSET or completing a subject-matter program.

4. Meet the basic skills requirement via CBEST or approved alternatives.

5. Clear background checks through Live Scan.

6. Choose your credential pathway — e.g., Intern Program, Emergency Permit, or Private School.

7. Apply through the CTC for the appropriate credential.

8. Begin teaching while completing required coursework (for intern or alternative programs).

How Long Does It Take to Become a Teacher in California Without a Degree?

Your timeline depends on the pathway you choose:

Pathway	Approximate Duration	Notes
Intern Credential	1–2 years	Teach full-time while completing credential coursework.
Emergency Permit	1 year	Temporary option while fulfilling requirements.
Private School Teaching	Immediate	No credential needed, but limited to private schools.

The fastest way is often through an intern program, especially for those who already meet testing and degree requirements.

Cost Breakdown: Alternative Teacher Certification in California

Expense Category	Typical Cost Range
CBEST & CSET Exams	$100–$400 total
Fingerprinting (Live Scan)	$50–$75
Credential Application (CTC)	$100–$150
Credential Program Tuition	$7,000–$20,000
Total Estimated Cost	$7,500–$21,000+

Costs vary depending on whether your program is district-sponsored (often partially paid by the employer) or university-based (self-funded).

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Teacher Without an Education Degree

Advantages

• Begin teaching faster, often within a year.

• Ideal for career changers with content knowledge in high-demand subjects.

• Earn a teacher’s salary while completing requirements.

• Flexible entry points depending on district needs.

Disadvantages

• Heavy workload balancing teaching and coursework.

• Some permits and credentials are temporary.

• Initial program and exam costs can be high.

• Steeper learning curve without prior education training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you need a teaching degree to teach in California?

No. You only need a bachelor’s degree in any field and a teaching credential through an approved pathway.

Can you teach in California with just a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, if you qualify for an intern credential or emergency permit. You’ll still need to complete exams and training to earn a permanent credential.

What is the fastest way to become a teacher in California?

The Intern Credential Program is typically the fastest path — allowing you to teach full-time within a few months while finishing coursework.

Can out-of-state teachers teach in California without a credential?

Out-of-state teachers may apply for a California Preliminary Credential based on existing certification and experience, but must meet CTC equivalency standards.

Is alternative teacher certification respected in California?

Yes. Alternative credentials are fully recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and widely used across public school districts.

Final Thoughts: Is Teaching in California Without a Teaching Degree Worth It?

If you’re passionate about education but don’t have a teaching degree, California offers one of the most flexible and supportive routes into the classroom. Through intern credentials, alternative programs, and emergency permits, you can start teaching while earning your full professional credential.

This pathway is ideal for motivated individuals ready to balance work and study while making a meaningful difference in students’ lives. With preparation, dedication, and the right guidance, you can successfully become a certified teacher in California — no education major required.