Transferring your teaching license from Arizona to California
Pathway exists — California adds significant exam/coursework requirements
California accepts out-of-state teachers but adds significant requirements — expect California-specific exams (such as the CBEST) and/or coursework plus a full credential review by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), beyond your Arizona license.
See 12,972 open teaching jobs in California →License transfer finder
Your current credential (Arizona)
- Issuing authority
- Arizona Department of Education
- License type
- Standard Teaching Certificate (6 years)
- Reciprocity policy
- Arizona participates in the NASDTEC compact. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may receive an Arizona certificate; AEPA exams may still be required for some subject areas.
California certification
- Issuing authority
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
- License you'll earn
- Preliminary Credential (5 years (non-renewable))
- Typical timeline
- 2 years for a full credential program; 1 year if subject matter competency is already completed
- California reciprocity policy
- California evaluates out-of-state credentials individually; no blanket reciprocity. California-specific exams are typically required.
Exams typically required in California
Out-of-state applicants are usually asked to demonstrate content-area knowledge on California's preferred exams, even when basic-skills testing is waived through reciprocity. Plan for one or more of the following:
- CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test)Basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills
- CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers)Subject matter competency for your credential area
- CalTPA or edTPATeaching performance assessment required for Clear Credential
- RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment)Required for Multiple Subject (elementary) credentials
Pass the CBEST exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the CBEST — prep with confidence.
Steps to transfer your license
- Verify your Arizona credential is current. California will request a verification of your active Standard Teaching Certificate from Arizona Department of Education.
- Apply through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The application packet typically includes official transcripts, prior teaching service verification, and a fingerprint-based background check.
- Sit for any California-specific exams. Most states honor out-of-state content-area exams when scores meet their cutoff, but California may require an additional jurisprudence or state-specific assessment.
- Apply to California districts that match your endorsement. We're currently tracking 12,972 active openings — browse California teaching jobs to start identifying districts.
Common questions
Can I teach in California with a Arizona teaching license?
California accepts out-of-state teachers but adds significant requirements — expect California-specific exams (such as the CBEST) and/or coursework plus a full credential review by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), beyond your Arizona license.
What exams are required to teach in California?
California typically requires the CBEST exam(s) for your subject area.
How long does transferring a teaching license to California take?
Typically 2 years for a full credential program; 1 year if subject matter competency is already completed.
Who issues teaching licenses in California?
Teaching licenses in California are issued by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).